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Stuart Broad caught Marnus Labuschagne right where it hurts, leaving the Australian batsman needing a few minutes to recover
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DRIVING US NUTS

The Ashes: Hit on the helmet by Archer now the chestnuts by Broad… but Labuschagne is starting to prove a headache for England

CLOCKED on the head by Jofra Archer at Lord’s, smacked in the chestnuts by Stuart Broad at Headingley, then finally trapped leg-before by a wild full toss.

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne is certainly putting his body on the line in these Ashes

 Stuart Broad caught Marnus Labuschagne right where it hurts, leaving the Australian batsman needing a few minutes to recover
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Stuart Broad caught Marnus Labuschagne right where it hurts, leaving the Australian batsman needing a few minutes to recoverCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 He top-scored for his side for the second innings in a row, putting on 74 off 129 balls
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He top-scored for his side for the second innings in a row, putting on 74 off 129 ballsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

He made history as Test cricket’s first concussion substitute when he batted in place of the prolific Steve Smith last weekend.

And Labuschagne has done a decent impression of their stricken talisman.

He saved the tourists from defeat with a defiant half-century in that Second Test and averted a complete rout here, despite Archer seizing the initiative for England with a six-wicket haul.

Archer is box-office dynamite but he is not the only Ashes rookie to have made a mark.

And if the Aussies do end up retaining the urn and spraying the bubbly then Labuschagne — with a name like a bottle of cheap sparkling wine — will have played a key role.

He was hammered on the grille by Archer with the second ball he faced at HQ but stood up manfully against England’s new sensation.

Then the 25-year-old was whacked on the helmet again by a Mitchell Starc bouncer in the Headingley nets.

“Marnus is strange,” said skipper Tim Paine, “he seems to like getting hit on the head.”

LOW BLOW

Yet even he wouldn’t have enjoyed the one which clattered into his box from Broad yesterday, not long after Archer had ended his century partnership with David Warner.

That led to the administration of the smelling salts and ice from Australia’s doctor, who goes by the name of Dick Saw, if base comedy is your thing.

Archer bowled far less of the short stuff in these seamer-friendly conditions than he had at Lord’s.

But when he did strike up the chin music, Labuschagne faced the brunt of it — and was rocked back by one dangerous bouncer.

This is a man who seems destined to wear black and blue as well as Australian green and gold.

And even when his three-and-a-half-hour vigil was finally ended by Ben Stokes, there was a touch of the bizarre about it.

A full bunger struck Labuschagne high on the pad, with Australia’s top scorer falling as if he had taken another blow to the crown jewels.

A review failed to save him as England cavorted in the evening gloom, sensing the chance for a series-levelling victory.

But thanks to Labuschagne’s 74, the tourists are not entirely out of this one with a total of 179.

 His fine knock has kept the tourists in contention in the Third Test of this Ashes series, which his side lead 1-0
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His fine knock has kept the tourists in contention in the Third Test of this Ashes series, which his side lead 1-0Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 The Aussie was clocked on the grille when facing just his second delivery at Lord's off the bowling of Jofra Archer
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The Aussie was clocked on the grille when facing just his second delivery at Lord's off the bowling of Jofra ArcherCredit: Reuters

Broad — reminding us of his expertise — beat Warner’s bat a dozen times yesterday morning before he picked up Usman Khawaja.

He later returned with the ball of the day to dismiss Travis Head for a duck. Soon after he got one to rise sharply and catch poor old Marnus where it hurts most.

Australia will need more of his masochistic tendencies if they are to master this reinvigorated England.

 Labuschagne was finally out lbw after being trapped by a wild full toss from Ben Stokes that sent him crashing back to the turf
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Labuschagne was finally out lbw after being trapped by a wild full toss from Ben Stokes that sent him crashing back to the turfCredit: AFP or licensors
 Stuart Broad sent Travis Head back to the pavilion without scoring a run after a sensation bowl which clipped off stump
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Stuart Broad sent Travis Head back to the pavilion without scoring a run after a sensation bowl which clipped off stumpCredit: Getty Images - Getty
England v Australia 3rd Ashes Test - Live stream, TV channel and start time from Headingley
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