Labuschagne and Khawaja clash with England fan after abuse

Australian players reacted angrily to accusations of being “boring” and confronted an England fan at the end of day three at the Oval.

Footage has emerged of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne challenging a fan as the players walked from the field after a challenging day in which England scored freely.

At times on this tour, Australia have faced accusations of being “boring” from sections of the crowd, for their more sedate approach to batting. And on another day of pitiful over-rates, Australia attracted the ire of English fans in the final half-hour of the day’s play, when they got through just five overs – three of them bowled by spinner Todd Murphy – between 6pm and 6.30pm.

That included a long conference when last man Jimmy Anderson walked to the crease, ensuring that if the final wicket was to fall, openers Khawaja and David Warner would have to wait until the morning to bat.

As the players walked from the field, a male spectator in the Bedser Stand – through which players pass to get to the changing rooms – repeatedly told the Australians “you’re boring”. Labuschagne and Khawaja, the third and fourth players to leave the field, stopped and reacted.

Khawaja told the man to “calm down”, while a visibly aggravated Labuschagne said repeatedly “what did you say?” The man backed down immediately, apologising.

Australia have faced especially vocal criticism when visiting England since the sandpaper saga of 2018, but things have escalated on this tour.

Alex Carey stumped Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s, which led to intense booing and accusations of breaching the spirt of cricket, including unprecedented scenes in the ground’s Long Room.