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Reuters
Marnus Labuschagne.JPG
Reuters
World News

Cricket star's Christian symbol inspired copycat teammate to seek a miracle

by Sophie Drew

A renowned Australian cricketer has confirmed that the emblem stuck to his bat makes reference to his favourite Bible verse.

South Africa-born Marnus Labuschagne has spoken in detail about his Christian faith on The Test, saying he’s not the “carbon copy” of the typical cricketer.

Labuschagne’s bat bears a sticker of an eagle, inspired by Isaiah 40:31.

The verse reads: “For those that hope in the Lord, he shall renew their strength. He shall soar on wings like eagles. He shall run and not grow weary and walk and not be faint.”

The sticker inspired another member of his team to follow suit, despite not believing in God.

Matthew Wade was so amazed by Labuschagne’s debut in 2018 that he put the same sticker in his bat, hoping to see similarly miraculous results.

However, the move didn’t quite work out how “Wadey” had hoped; the cricketer got “strangled” on the first ball.

“He knew. The man upstairs knew it wasn't real,” joked Steve Smith to News Corp when regaling the story.

Speaking to New Life Publishing in 2021, Labuschagne said it is his faith that helps him navigate the highs and lows of professional sports.

He said: “As a Christian you’re getting put under fire all the time: different opinions, different people talking. But once you have a relationship with people, conversations flow.

“It definitely puts more perspective on your life. International cricket – and let’s be honest, the game of cricket – is based on failure.

“Most players fail more than they succeed. It’s tough. And it definitely helps when you have your faith.”

 

 

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