Australia vs. India, Second Test: Inside the secret net session that could transform Marnus Labuschagne ahead of Adelaide

Marnus Labuschagne has returned to his ‘happy place’ as he looks to turn around his form and ROBERT CRADDOCK has exclusively spoken to Australia’s No. 3 at this secret net session.

With his best mate steaming in from the other end, Marnus Labuschagne returned to his happy place today and spoke about the frustration of his Perth Test strike out.

The out-of-form number three, playing for his Test future against India in Adelaide, joined fringe Queensland players in the nets at Allan Border Field and shed the shackles wrapped around him when he made two off 52 balls in Perth against India in the First Test.

After the session Labuschagne spoke of the disappointment of Australia’s landslide loss in Perth, a nightmare game for him after being trapped lbw without playing a shot in the second innings following his first innings woes.

“It is always tough when you lose a game for Australia and you are not scoring runs,‘’ Labuschagne said.

“That is your job as a batter. You have to score runs. I have to score runs. If I am not doing that we are not winning Tests. That is never good, is it?

Marnus Labuschagne returned to his happy place today with his best mate hurling them down at the other end. It’s only the nets but he looked better. Significantly more intent than Perth. Which of course there has to be. pic.twitter.com/VGbSkGUPSQ

— Robert Craddock (@craddock_cmail) November 28, 2024

Of his lengthy net session, Labuschange said: “It is no different to my normal preparation – I am always trying to find that right rhythm.

“We have got about eight days. Unfortunately it does not matter until we roll out on that day one wicket.

Labuschagne batting in the nets at Allan Border Field with Queensland. Picture: Lachie Millard

Marnus trying to find his rhythm in the nets against Queensland teammates. Picture: Lachie Millard

Labuschagne, facing a group of bowlers including his best man James Bazley, confidently attacked five of the first 10 balls he faced with a smoking cover drive the pick of the bunch.

He seemed in good spirits and quipped in typical Marnus fashion “no way in the world” when one ball struck his pads and there was a suggestion of lbw.

Labuschangne batted in two different nets and the middle, facing the side-arm throws from Queensland coach Johan Botha.

There was an occasional “oh yeah” when something felt good and once joked “(bowl) a little bit full and it could be (Jacques) Kallis over cover.‘’

Originally published as Australia vs. India, Second Test: Inside the secret net session that could transform Marnus Labuschagne ahead of Adelaide