Marnus Labuschagne to fill void if Mitchell Marsh unable to bowl

Marnus Labuschagne is emerging as Australia’s fourth seam bowling option after Mitch Marsh once again didn’t bowl during a training session before the second Test against India.

Josh Hazlewood took promising steps towards his Test return but Mitch Marsh once more didn’t bowl as Australia shapes to rely on Marnus Labuschagne as its fourth seam bowling option in Adelaide this week.

As Nathan Lyon quipped that he had found the fallout to Australia’s 295-run first Test humbling “humorous,” the off-spinner’s pre-training prediction that Marsh would bowl in the Adelaide Oval twilight did not materialise.

While all-rounder Marsh batted in what was Australia’s main pre-Test training session, he didn’t roll the arm over as he continues to battle the soreness he encountered following the Perth Test.

Sean Abbott and Mitchell Marsh have a drink during an Australia training session at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Getty Images

Labuschagne in contrast bowled his mediums extensively, with the Queensland skipper appearing likely to be employed as a fifth bowler in the pink ball Test against India beginning on Friday. He also highlighted his versatility by sending down a string of leg-breaks.

Lyon spoke before the session on Wednesday, tipping that Marsh would bowl.

“I dare say you will see him bowl tonight. I am not concerned about Bison’s (Marsh’s) fitness to be honest. He has been brilliant for us in the games he has come back in. I know he came in that game in Leeds (last year) and really dominated that one . I have full confidence in Bison and to be honest I am happy to bowl his overs,” Lyon said.

Marnus Labuschagne may be Australia’s genuine fourth seam bowling option for the second Test against India. Picture: Getty Images

However Lyon also said that he would be keen to bowl more if needed.

“If I get the opportunity to bowl more overs, I’ll jump at it,” Lyon said.

Though Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test after suffering a side injury during the Perth defeat, the paceman ran through his bowling action repeatedly in the middle of Adelaide Oval.

He is yet to be ruled out of the third Test which begins on December 14 at the Gabba.

Lyon, a veteran of more than 13 years in Test cricket, said he had found much of the commentary that had followed the Perth defeat to be amusing.

“It’s been quite humorous in a way looking at how much has been said and the reaction of so many people after one loss. The beauty of a five Test series is we get to turn that around and that is the challenge,” Lyon said.

Nathan Lyon said he found the commentary after Australia’s embarrassing first Test defeat ‘humorous’. Picture: Getty Images

Asked if he’d found anything particularly humorous, Lyon said “a lot.’’

But Lyon was bullish that the Aussies would be able to turn things around.

“At the end of the day, we’re humans. We’re going to make mistakes,” he said.

“But if we can go out there and try and get better, try and learn along the journey, then we’re going to put ourselves in a better position coming into our next fixture.”

The first day of the Test could be affected by rain.

“Friday looks like it could be thunderstorms, which is a bit unique for Adelaide this time of year,” Adelaide Oval head curator Damian Hough said.

“I’m not sure exactly on the timing of those storms coming through, but we’re expecting to pull covers a bit on Friday. Hopefully it clears out on Saturday morning ... then it should be good for the remainder of the Test.”

Originally published as Marnus Labuschagne to fill void if Mitchell Marsh unable to bowl