How Marnus Labuschagne’s big ears could solve Australia’s Ashes dilemma

The loss of Tim Paine has created some headaches for the Australia Test side, but Marnus Labuschagne’s big ears could help resolve one dilemma.

The sudden loss of former Test captain Tim Paine has forced the Australians to drastically reassess its strategy for the Decision Review System.

It’s widely understood that the three most important players on the field when determining whether to call for a review are the captain, the bowler and the wicketkeeper, who arguably has the best view of the action.

Paine, who occupied two of those roles simultaneously, stepped away from the game last week after a series of lewd text messages between the gloveman and a former Cricket Tasmania staff member from 2017 surfaced.

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South Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey was announced as his successor with the gloves, while paceman Pat Cummins was last week unveiled as Australia’s 47th Test captain.

Paine infamously had a horrendous track record with the DRS – Headingley 2019 quickly springs to mind – but Australia’s luck with the technology could worsen under Cummins’ leadership.

Cummins, who is rarely found in the slip cordon, will be tasked with informing the umpire when Australia intends to use a review during the Ashes – but because the bowler is typically found at mid-on or fine leg, he’ll rarely be in a position to make an accurate call on his own.

The 28-year-old will therefore rely heavily on debutant Carey and newly-elected vice-captain Steve Smith when the other bowlers are pleading for a DRS at the Gabba next week – but of course, they’ll only have 15 seconds to make a decision.

“I’m sure that Alex is going to have a key role behind the stumps with the DRS,” Australian No. 3 batter Marnus Labuschagne told reporters on Friday.

“Obviously having your captain not in the slips … might make a difference, and make sure we communicate probably slightly better to get the information to him.

“Instead of having to get the information to the keeper, everyone’s got to get the information to Patty, who’s at mid-off or mid-on.”

Australian captain Pat Cummins bowls during a training session at Norths Cricket Club. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

By his own admission, Labuschagne is not the most reliable source of information on the cricket field – but his big ears could come in handy over the coming seven weeks.

“I don’t think it’s a good thing if I play a role in the DRS … usually if I’m bowling I always think it’s out, and if I’m batting I never think it’s out,” he said with a smirk.

“The only thing I’m good for is the noises – the ears are quite big, so I pick up some faint noises, but that’s about the only benefit I was able to give Painey usually.”

Despite being touted by some cricket pundits as a candidate to take over the Test captaincy, Labuschagne was not interviewed by the specially convened five-person selection panel last week.

The Queenslander’s leadership has come under scrutiny following a handful of misdemeanours in the Sheffield Shield this year.

In February, former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell criticised Labuschagne for showing dissent towards an umpire’s decision in a first-class match against Tasmania.

And then in October, the 27-year-old was fined for excessive appealing during a Sheffield Shield match, again against the Tigers.

Australian No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne speaks with media at Redlands CC. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

However, Labuschagne told reporters he was not disappointed selectors overlooked him for a leadership position.

“There are two very good leaders and very good candidates, and they’re the right people for the job right now,” he said.

“My job right now is to concentrate on scoring runs consistently for Australia. I’m happy for that to be my role for now.

“You certainly don’t need the title to still be a leader within the group … the captaincy and vice-captaincy is something that you don’t search for, it’s something that comes to you.

“If it does come down the track, I’ll be thankful and if doesn’t, I’ll also be happy, but I’ll just be hopefully scoring runs for Australia.”

The first Ashes Test between Australia and England gets underway at the Gabba on Wednesday, with the first ball scheduled for 11am AEDT.