Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon Pick Australia’s Most ‘Annoying’ Player | Cricket News

The Ashes is starting on November 21.(Picture Credit: AP)

Australian captain Pat Cummins wore a wide grin on his face while naming his most annoying teammate ahead of the marquee Ashes series against England Down Under. In a hilarious video posted by Channel 7 on Monday, November 10, Cummins and his off-spinner Nathan Lyon were asked to call out their ‘most annoying teammate’, and two greats took little time naming middle-order batter Marnus Labuschagne.

Labuschagne, who is known for his curious antics, constant chatter, and amusing body language in the park, became an easy pick for Cummins and his bowling partner. The talented right-hander, who will be making his return to the playing XI with the Ashes, often moves across the crease awkwardly and yells “no run!” after defending the cricket ball.

Apart from his batting antics, Labuschagne also sledges and tries to force opposition players into conversations to try and get under the batter’s skin while fielding. His stump-mic chatter frequently leaves commentators and fans in a chuckle. Also a useful part-time bowling option, Labuschagne is keen to be forever involved in the contest and would bowl nonstop for his team if given a free hand.

“Ah.. haha, good question,” said a grinning Cummins, before looking in Lyon’s direction, trying to initially avoid answering it. Lyon, however, had no such hesitation. “The most annoying teammate would be quite easily Marnus Labuschagne,” he insisted. Cummins then gave in and said, “I think Marnus would be pretty high on the list. I reckon he wants to bat, bowl and field, keep, do everything!”

Despite his talent, great passion and determination for the game, Labuschagne went through a prolonged rough phase with the bat. The 31-year-old made only 974 runs over 20 Tests of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, where Australia finished runners-up to champions South Africa.

He subsequently warmed the bench on the tour of the West Indies in June-July. Labuschagne will be hoping for a grand comeback against arch-rivals England, with the first Test of the five-match series beginning on November 21 in Perth.