Former Australia head coach Justin Langer has publicly apologised to Marnus Labuschagne after questioning the decision to let the batter bowl during the fifth Ashes Test.

Langer’s comments came during live commentary on 7 Cricket, when Steve Smith handed the ball to Labuschagne in an attempt to break a dangerous 94-run partnership between Joe Root and Jamie Smith. Labuschagne’s gentle medium pace initially raised eyebrows, especially with taller bowling options available.

“I can’t understand this,” Langer said on air. “As a batsman, would you rather this or Beau Webster at 6ft 7in?” His criticism followed a delivery from Labuschagne that was called wide after sailing over the batter’s head.

However, the very next ball proved decisive. Jamie Smith mistimed an attacking stroke and offered a simple catch to Scott Boland at deep cover, handing Labuschagne a crucial breakthrough. The sudden turn of events prompted Langer to immediately rethink his stance.

“But what would I know?” Langer remarked. “Webster versus Labuschagne.”

Langer then turned his attention to Smith’s shot selection, branding it reckless. “Not for the first time in this series, Jamie Smith has played one of the dumbest shots you’ll ever see in Test cricket,” he said.

Following Smith’s dismissal for 46 late in the first session, Langer openly apologised to Labuschagne. “You should never be too proud to apologise. I’m apologising to Marnus Labuschagne. Well bowled, brilliant bowling, dumb batting,” he added, a moment that many fans found both amusing and refreshingly candid.

Notably, Langer had worked closely with Labuschagne during his stint as Australia’s head coach between 2018 and 2022, making the public apology all the more striking.

England were eventually bowled out for 384 in their first innings of the fifth Test. Joe Root was the standout performer, scoring a superb 160 before falling to Michael Neser. Neser went on to finish with four wickets, including the final two batters in the same over. Harry Brook’s 84 was the only other half-century for England.

Australia, who lead the series 3–1, have already retained the Ashes urn.

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