Marnus Labuschagne lit up the Gabba on Day 2 of the second Ashes Test with what many fans are calling one of the greatest outfield catches in Ashes history. The Australian star produced a breathtaking full-length dive to dismiss Jofra Archer, ending a frustrating 60-run final-wicket stand that had pushed England past 300 in their first innings.
The moment unfolded early in the day when Brendan Doggett bowled a short ball that Archer attempted to pull. The mistimed shot sailed toward deep fine leg, where no fielder was stationed. Labuschagne sprinted from mid-wicket, launched into a full dive to his right, and completed the one-handed take mid-air — even securing the ball after landing. The spectacular effort instantly went viral and ignited comparisons to Glenn McGrath’s iconic 2002 diving catch against Michael Vaughan.
The dismissal was a turning point for Australia after Joe Root and Archer’s late-order surge. England were bowled out for 334, their highest first-innings score in a pink-ball Ashes Test. Root, who had long been criticised for not scoring a Test hundred in Australia, finally broke the jinx with an unbeaten 138, showcasing exceptional composure under lights.
For Australia, Mitchell Starc stole the bowling honours with figures of 6 for 75, overtaking Wasim Akram to become the highest-wicket-taking left-arm fast bowler in Test history.
The Labuschagne catch, however, remained the defining highlight — a moment that immediately entered Ashes folklore.
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