Former England Player Kevin Pietersen, claims that the No.1 Test Batter Marnus Labuschagne is getting eliminated in a similar form, against Stuart Board. Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed by Stuart Broad in both innings, by an outside off-pole delivery, which he tried to attempt and find a solid edge through the keeper.
In anticipation of the Ashes, the veteran seamer, mentions that he will use an outswinger and wobble seam against the dynamic duo Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, and it has paid dividends so far. Broad removed Marnus Labuschagne on a duck in the first innings and eliminated him on 13 runs on day 4.
“I Just Think There’s A Huge Technical Flaw There..”- Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen opines that Marnus Labuschagne should leave the off-stump deliveries against Broad, as it throws him into the trouble. He states while talking to Sky Sports:
“Look at how wide that ball is to Marnus. I just think there’s a huge technical flaw there. He shouldn’t be playing at that delivery, you’ve got to let it go. He’s batting too far across his stumps, triggering too much.” said Kevin Pietersen.
“The Aggression And The Intent Makes Australia Change Their Plans..” – Aaron Finch
England was ousted at 273 on day 4, the unwavering resilience shown by Australians assisted the Aussies to tip the scale in their favour. Australian’s ran through the English batting line up, and claimed 8 wickets to set themselves an achievable target. However, the relentlessness displayed by Joe Root and Harry Brook was outstanding as they stitched together 52 run partnership which facilitated England to reach the score of 273, and present Australia with a formidable challenge.
Opining that England have made things difficult for Australia in the Ashes so far with their relentless intent even during tough times, Finch said on Channel 9:
“The aggression and the intent makes Australia change their plans. It’s just mind-blowing to see one of the great traditional Test batters change his game so much over the last 18 months to go into beast mode. It’s unbelievable.” said Aaron Finch.
Now Australia is on 107/3, and requires 174 runs to grasp victory, while England needs to claim 7 wickets to emerge victorious in the first test of Ashes 2023. All the eyes are on Day 5 as two powerhouses of the sport will clash against each other on the final day.