Australia’s premier batter Marnus Labuschagne is under the scanner for his low scores. In the 1st innings of the opening Test match against India, Marnus Labuschagne got into the shell by playing 52 balls and scored only 2 runs. Aussies have looked a bit off-color despite their star players opting out of the 3rd ODI against Pakistan to get ample rest & preparation time for a bumper Test series.
The second Test match at Adelaide on 6th December is a pink ball match that will serve as a stern test for Aussies. The pink ball under the lights swings immensely, and the duo of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah can again rattle the hosts. We have often seen the star-studded batter Virat Kohli having a say in the decision-making and expect no less when Rohit Sharma leads at Adelaide.
Marnus Labuschagne looks to be batting for survival when he should be looking to score runs- Greg Chappell
Greg Chappell wrote in his column for Sydney Morning Herald. Greg Chappell pointed out that Marnus Labuschagne has scored 330 runs in last 16 innings and needs to rediscover his form. Greg Chappell mentioned that Marnus Labuschagne should try to score runs rather than aiming for survival. Former Indian head coach stated that Australian selectors shouldn’t press the panic button after defeat in 1st Test match.
“The top order is a major concern. To avoid forced changes, they must deliver in Adelaide. Marnus Labuschagne knows he is under pressure. With only 330 runs from his last 16 innings, he must rediscover his form quickly and revert to the free-flowing style of old; two off 52 balls is not good enough. A change of mindset should be his first port of call. He looks to be batting for survival when he really should be looking to score runs. A subtle but important difference,” said Greg Chappell.
“At this stage, I don’t expect the Australian selectors to panic. However, if the same team takes the field in Adelaide and falters under the lights … watch out!,” he added.
Questions aplenty for Australia
Australia got a taste of their sledging in 1st Test match as India’s fast bowlers made life harder for the hosts’ batting unit. Undoubtedly, it’s not easy to fill the void of David Warner by the newbie Nathan McSweeney; even Michael Clarke wanted Cricket Australia (CA) to make the new opening partner of Usman Khawaja to play all the 5 Test matches rather than chopping & changing in an iconic Test series.
With Steven Smith having struck 8 centuries against India in the history of BGT. The batter has a knack of bouncing back very strongly as his batting stance has been quite unorthodox and that was the reason for his dismissal in 1st innings when Bumrah trapped him LBW on the very first ball. Aussies haven’t suffered an embarrassing defeat like losing the match by 295 runs in Australia since the 2010-11 Ashes.