Marnus Labuschagne experiment backfires as India avoid series whitewash

Australia were destined to secure a 3-0 series whitewash, but a needless decision before the match backfired during the run chase.

Marnus Labuschagne of Australia.

India secured their first victory of the summer on Wednesday evening, narrowly defeating Australia by 13 runs at Manuka Oval.

Hardik Pandya provided some late fireworks with the bat, while India’s bowlers finally adapted to the slow Australian wickets, holding their nerve in the dying overs.

But the outcome could have been very different if not for a bizarre decision before the start of play.

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For the first time since the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Australia has unearthed a reliable batting attack in the 50-over format.

David Warner’s injury at the SCG on Sunday evening threw a spanner in the works, but Australia’s destructive middle order was still intact.

That is, until selectors opted to experiment with a winning formula, needlessly elevating Marnus Labuschagne to the top of the order.

Jasprit Bumrah of India bowls to Marnus Labuschagne.

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The Queenslander had proven his worth in the No. 4 position, where he averaged 45.33 in nine ODI innings this year.

But in the hope of blooding West Australian young gun Cameron Green, Labuschagne was squeezed out of his preferred position, instead partnering with skipper Aaron Finch.

The experiment backfired, with Labuschagne chopping a Thangarasu Natarajan delivery back onto his stumps in the sixth over.

Steve Smith was dismissed cheaply soon after, and Australia’s hopes then rested with an inexperienced middle-order, which included debutant Green and veteran all-rounder Moises Henriques, whose highest score in ODI cricket was 18.

Considering Tasmanian opening batsman Matthew Wade was waiting patiently in the wings, Labuschagne’s promotion seemed unjustified.

Wade also would have formed an idyllic left/right-hand combination with Finch, which prevents opposition bowlers from settling on a consistent line and length.

But content with the series victory, selectors eyed an opportunity to give Green a taste of international cricket.

From an Indian perspective, 2-1 looks considerably better than a 3-0 whitewash, and the victory will give their squad some much-needed confidence ahead of the T20 matches.

Matthew Wade during an Australian nets session.

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Cricket icon Shane Warne blasted the decision on Fox Cricket, questioning why selectors would tinker with their powerhouse line-up.

“Marnus opening the batting was a real odd one,” Warne said. “I was really surprised; that just upset the middle-order which had done so well.

“When you do this, you’re tempting fate … I don’t see the reasoning in that.

“The middle order was just starting to look okay and I think the more you bat with someone the more you understand them in every situation.

“I’m not saying he won’t bat well, I just wouldn’t have done that. I think we’re experimenting too much.

“I think when you’ve got the opposition down, you stay ruthless and keep the foot on the throat with the Test series coming.”

Warne also conceded he was “disappointed” Australian paceman Pat Cummins had been rested after just two games.

“I know it is a big summer that we have and it is pretty jam-packed, but I don’t think Australian players should be resting after two games,” Warne said.

“Why are they resting? Is it because they played IPL? So they are allowed to go and play all these games in the IPL and then they need a rest because they have been playing in IPL.

“Surely playing for Australia is more important than playing in the IPL … it is a one-day international for Australia, and you need a rest to get through the summer after two games.”