Despite being the most under pressure, Marnus Labuschagne has vowed to get cooking in Perth
Marnus Labuschagne could be Australia’s most under pressure batter coming into the Test Series against India, yet he’s vowed to get slow cooking in Perth.
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Marnus Labuschagne is bracing himself for a war of attrition against fast bowling maestro Jasprit Bumrah, as he vowed to get comfortable slow cooking India in Perth.
Australia’s Energizer Bunny No.3 might be the home batsman under the most pressure coming into the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy starting on Friday, with Labuschagne’s Test average falling below 50 for the first time since 2019.
Labuschagne’s last Test score was a match-shaping 90 against New Zealand back in February, but by his own admission, his returns have otherwise been patchy and Australia will be desperate for a ‘statement innings’ from the anchor of a batting order looking to rediscover its cohesion this summer.
Last time India toured and conquered Australia in 2020-21, they forced Labuschagne to adjust his technique by turning the tap off on his off-side scoring options.
But this time around, Labuschagne is preparing for a different strategy and is determined to return to his roots of being a great leaver of the ball and being prepared to grind India’s bowlers into the Perth dirt.
“My last Test game I actually played quite well and for me it’s just about starting the series really well, making sure I’m really well prepared,” Labuschagne told reporters on a rainy Tuesday afternoon in Perth.
“Making sure I know how the Indian attack is going to come at me. My best preparation is always thinking at the other end and thinking about how they’re going to attack me and to be able to develop and change my game to what the best method is to attack them.
“I certainly think at times they might go back to that plan (of bowling at the body) but I think there might be other areas they might attack first this time around and bowl more that channel and try and nick you off, especially in Perth with the bouncy wicket.
“It’s (leaving smartly) going to be important for all of us the way we play when we’re at our best. We’re playing the long game. We understand that you need to be getting them back for their second and third spells, putting them under pressure and letting them come to us, and us putting pressure back on them through overs in the field and time in the game – especially over a five Test series.”
Getting out caught behind the wicket has become a bit of a problem for Labuschagne ever since Mark Wood tested his outside edge a couple of years ago, and he is set on getting back to the processes which has delivered him such a phenomenal start to his Test career.
Having been embarrassed by India the past two times the subcontinental giants have toured here, Australia as a team are under no illusions that this battle won’t necessarily be won in Perth.
“As you get into the third, fourth, fifth Tests, if they’re trying to play the same team and those bowlers are rolling into 150-200 overs by the third Test, it’s going to make a big difference in the series,” Labuschagne said.
Australia knows its batting performances of late have been marred by batsmen failing to build partnerships and only firing sporadically, rather than as a unit.
Labuschagne has grown in confidence leading into this summer with two of his best mates either side of him in the batting order – debutant Nathan McSweeney opening, and Steve Smith back to his favourite position at No.4.
McSweeney and Labuschagne know each other inside out, and you sense his debut is almost as big a moment for Labuschagne as it is for the man five years his junior.
“We spent a fair bit of time together during that Covid year and I first met Nathan when he was 11,” Labuschagne said.
“He was doing trials at Brisbane State High and I’d just finished Year 12 and helping them select some young kids.
“I said, ‘mate, you need to get this guy.’ He ended up going to Nudgee College, but we’ve got a long history.
“I’m getting goose bumps just thinking about his journey and how he’s got here.
“There’s a lot of things to like. His character, his ability, his leadership. There’s so many good qualities. It’s great to see him get the opportunity.”
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