Marnus Labuschagne’s batting coach backs call to leave Jasprit Bumrah ball, predicts resurgence

Marnus Labuschagne’s batting mentor has defended his protege’s decision to leave the ball that sent him packing in Perth, and pointed to Virat Kohli’s resurgence as reason for hope.

Marnus Labuschagne’s batting mentor has defended his protege’s decision to leave the ball that sent him on his way in the second innings in Perth and pointed to Virat Kohli’s resurgence as reason not to write off Australia’s struggling No.3.

Though the Aussie top order is misfiring as a collective, it is Labuschagne who has faced the most acute scrutiny in the aftermath of Australia’s first Test shellacking at the hands of India following twin failures in the 295-run loss.

Having once been Test cricket’s No.1 ranked batter, Labuschagne’s output has dwindled. He is averaging just 13.66 in Test cricket since the start of January’s series against the West Indies.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 24: Marnus Labuschagne of Australia walks off the field after being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah of India for 3 runs during day three of the First Test match in the series between Australia and India at Perth Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

After facing 52 deliveries for his two in the first innings, Labuschagne was exposed to the firing Jasprit Bumrah after nightwatchman Pat Cummins fell late on day three at Perth Stadium.

On three, Labuschagne did not play at a ball that pitched outside off and nipped back to hit his back leg on the knee roll. Adjudged lbw, Labuschagne reviewed in vain.

His decision to shoulder arms drew criticism including from former Aussie quick Damien Fleming on SEN.

“You can handle playing a shot to a good ball and getting an outside edge,” Fleming said.

“That type of dismissal is just not good enough from your number three in a tough battle. It was a good length, it was just outside off stump, it didn’t do anything extreme.”

But Labuschagne’s long-time personal batting coach Neil D’Costa, who worked with both Michael Clarke and Phillip Hughes, said Labuschagne’s decision not to play had been a reasonable one.

“The Indian bowling was outstanding,” D’Costa told this masthead.

Marnus Labuschagne in all sorts after being turned inside out by a Jasprit Bumrah delivery. Picture: Getty Images

“Marnus’ second innings ball (pitched on a) 8.3 metres (length). What does that mean? Well it means on WA wickets that balls goes well over the stumps. But not (on Sunday), it skidded and goodnight. (He had a) millisecond (to react).”

The iconic Kohli had entered the series under pressure following a poor series against New Zealand that continued a five-year downward spiral.

But the ex-Indian skipper bounced back with a second innings century, and D’Costa said that Labuschagne had what it took to turn things around.

“In the history of the game every player has a flat spot,” D’Costa said.

“Why? Who knows? In this case we have a bloke who is super fit, works extremely hard, very professional on and off field.

“Obviously you don’t forget how to play but I think Virat Kohli sums it up: Keep working, keep believing and back your game.”

Marnus Labuschagne leaves the pitch. Picture: Getty Images

Marnus Labuschagne's batting average against good length bowling prior to 2022 when he was regarded as one of the world's best batsmen.

Marnus Labuschagne's batting average against good length bowlers since 2022.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan pondered on Fox Cricket whether Labuschagne should play a grade cricket match this weekend given there is no Sheffield Shield round between the first and second Tests.

“I just wonder whether Marnus Labuschagne, it’s worth him going and playing some grade cricket at the weekend, (to) get out and hit a few balls,” Vaughan said.

“Rather than arriving at the Adelaide Test match, facing the pink ball and you’re seeing Jasprit Bumrah once again, is it worth him going back to his roots and playing grade cricket?“

Originally published as Marnus Labuschagne’s batting coach backs call to leave Jasprit Bumrah ball, predicts resurgence