Australia’s premier right-handed batter Marnus Labuschagne is under the scanner for his below-par performance in the 1st Test match against India. Marnus Labuschagne is tipped to be the next Steven Smith as he has traits similar to those of the star right-handed batter. Marnus has an average of 24.50 in the 2024 calendar year which isn’t great.
Skipper Pat Cummins needs to pull the rabbit out of the hat in the 2nd Test match which begins on 06th December. The Aussies have somewhat lacked the killer attitude to defeat India. With Josh Hazlewood injured & unavailable for 2nd Test match, the hosts are in a spot of bother given the fact that Hazlewood has the knack of bowling long spells in excess of 5 overs which are precious in Test cricket.
I can see Sam Konstas coming straight in for Marnus Labuschagne- Damien Fleming
Damien Fleming was having an interaction with SEN Aftenoons. Damien Fleming heaped praise on Sam Konstas who played for PM Australia XI against India in the tour game ahead of 2nd Test match. Damien Fleming pointed out that a failure someone like Marnus Labuschagne can open the door of Australian playing 11 straight away.
“What I love about what Sam did yesterday was he enhanced his reputation and that’s all you can do. That was brilliant from him. He’s going to play, it’s just a matter of when whether it’s this summer or not. My feeling was an Aussie fan and commentator is that he doesn’t play this summer because everyone else scores a lot of runs. But a failure for someone like Marnus means I can see Konstas coming straight in for him,” said Damien Fleming.
Stern Test for Australia
Not often we see a star-studded Australian team is under the pump where multiple questions are being asked in all the 3 departments of the game. According to the sources with knowledge, it is believed that the surface at Adelaide would assist the spinners which will keep both India & Australia in the game.
The shrewd veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon is a key member of the side for the last decade or so. Given Cummins & Starc won’t be able to bowl long spells; we can’t rule out the possibility of seeing Travis Head rolling his arm who can spring in a surprise with his part-time off-breaks.