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Tag: Marnus Labuschagne

  • SL vs AUS 2025: Australia’s playing XI for the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka – Predicted

    SL vs AUS 2025: Australia’s playing XI for the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka – Predicted

    Australia‘s tour of Sri Lanka continues with the highly anticipated 2nd Test at the historic Galle International Stadium, commencing on February 6, 2025. Following a commanding victory in the first Test, Australia will look to maintain their momentum, while Sri Lanka aim to bounce back and capitalize on home conditions.

    A clash of pride in Galle

    The Galle International Stadium is renowned for its spin-friendly pitches, which have historically favoured Sri Lankan bowlers. With the series currently in Australia’s favour after a decisive win by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test, Sri Lanka face a critical challenge to adapt and strategize effectively. The home team, captained by Dhananjaya de Silva, will need to leverage their local knowledge and the conditions to turn the tide against a formidable Australian side.

    Australia’s squad boast a mix of experience and youth, with captain Steve Smith leading the charge. Travis Head‘s elevation to open the innings has proven effective, and his partnership with Usman Khawaja will be crucial in setting a solid foundation against Sri Lanka’s spinners. The bowling attack is likely to feature three spinners, with Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann expected to exploit any turn available on the pitch.

    Sri Lanka’s squad includes seasoned players like Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal, With Pathum Nissanka ruled out due to injury, Oshada Fernando steps in as an opener, aiming to provide stability at the top of the order alongside Karunaratne.

    Also READ: ‘Dream come true’: Steve Smith on his monumental achievement of reaching 10,000 Test runs – SL vs AUS

    Here is the Australia’s predicted playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka

    1. Usman Khawaja
    • Role: Opening batter
    • Strengths: Khawaja is known for his solid technique and ability to play spin effectively, which is crucial in subcontinental conditions. His experience allows him to anchor the innings and build partnerships.
    • Impact: As a seasoned opener, Khawaja’s role will be vital in setting a strong foundation for the Australian batting lineup, especially against Sri Lankan spinners.
    1. Travis Head
    • Role: Opening batter / Vice-captain
    • Strengths: Travis Head‘s aggressive batting style complements his ability to tackle spin bowling. He has previously excelled in Asian conditions and can take advantage of the new ball.
    • Impact: His dynamic approach at the top can put pressure on the bowlers early on, making him a key player in establishing a commanding position.
    1. Marnus Labuschagne
    • Role: Top-order batter
    • Strengths: Marnus Labuschagne is known for his consistency and ability to adapt to different conditions. His technique against spin is commendable, and he can rotate the strike effectively.
    • Impact: As a run-scorer in the middle order, Labuschagne’s performance will be crucial in stabilizing the innings after early wickets.
    1. Steve Smith (C)
    • Role: Middle-order batter / Captain
    • Strengths: Smith’s unorthodox batting style and exceptional concentration make him one of the best Test batters in the world. His experience as captain adds tactical depth to the team.
    • Impact: His ability to play long innings can turn matches around, and as captain, he will be pivotal in decision-making during crucial moments.
    1. Alex Carey (wk)
    • Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
    • Strengths: Alex Carey has been in outstanding form, leading run-scorers in the Sheffield Shield with an average of 90.4 and showcasing excellent wicketkeeping skills with 15 catches and two stumpings this season. His recent technical adjustments have improved his stroke play significantly.
    • Impact: As a wicketkeeper-batter, Carey’s contributions with both bat and gloves will be essential in supporting the middle order and providing stability during challenging phases of play.
    1. Beau Webster
    • Role: All-rounder
    • Strengths: Beau Webster’s versatility as an allrounder allows him to contribute with both bat and ball. He has shown promise with his recent performances and can bowl off-spin effectively.
    • Impact: His ability to chip in with crucial runs and provide additional spin options makes him valuable in subcontinental conditions.
    1. Nathan Lyon
    • Role: Spin bowler
    • Strengths: Lyon is Australia’s premier spinner with vast experience in Test cricket. His ability to turn the ball sharply makes him a significant threat on turning pitches.
    • Impact: Lyon’s wicket-taking ability will be crucial in breaking partnerships and applying pressure on Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
    1. Matthew Kuhnemann
    • Role: Spin bowler
    • Strengths: Kuhnemann has proven himself as an effective left-arm spinner who can exploit turning conditions. His variations keep batters guessing.
    • Impact: As a second spinner, Kuhnemann can complement Lyon’s bowling and create challenges for Sri Lankan batters.
    1. Todd Murphy
    • Role: Spin bowler
    • Strengths: Murphy is another promising spinner who has shown potential at the international level. His ability to bowl economically while taking wickets adds depth to Australia’s spin attack.
    • Impact: Murphy’s inclusion provides Australia with multiple spin options, which is critical on subcontinental pitches.
    1. Mitchell Starc
    • Role: Fast bowler
    • Strengths: Mitchell Starc’s left-arm pace bowling combined with his ability to swing the ball makes him a dangerous proposition for any batting lineup. He can deliver crucial breakthroughs with the new ball.
    • Impact: His experience in Test cricket will be vital for taking early wickets and putting pressure on Sri Lanka’s top order.
    1. Scott Boland
    • Role: Fast bowler
    • Strengths: Scott Boland has established himself as a reliable fast bowler with excellent control and seam movement capabilities, particularly effective on pitches that offer assistance to pace bowlers.
    • Impact: Boland’s role will be essential in maintaining pressure during the middle overs and taking wickets when needed.

    Also READ: SL vs AUS: Nathan Lyon opens up on Australia’s ambition of whitewashing Sri Lanka in the Test series

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  • WATCH: Mohammed Siraj’s bail-switching ritual brings good fortune for Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 of the AUS vs IND 4th Test

    WATCH: Mohammed Siraj’s bail-switching ritual brings good fortune for Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 of the AUS vs IND 4th Test

    Cricket has always been a sport rich in tradition and superstition, and Day 1 of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was no exception. An intriguing moment unfolded when Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj flipped the bails off the stumps while Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne was on strike, a ritual believed by some in the cricketing world to bring good luck and wickets for bowlers.

    Mohammed Siraj’s superstition: Bail-switching at play

    In the 43rd over of the Australian innings, Siraj approached the stumps and deliberately switched the bails, an act that caught the attention of onlookers. Labuschagne, unfazed, simply walked away. This was not the first time such an incident had occurred between the two players. A similar moment at the Gabba saw Labuschagne reversing the change and subsequently losing his wicket shortly after. Siraj even playfully informed Labuschagne about his actions, adding an air of levity to the tense match. However, on this occasion, Siraj’s ritual did not immediately bear fruit.

    While Siraj’s superstition didn’t work for him, it appeared to pave the way for teammate Jasprit Bumrah. In the 45th over, Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja in a dramatic turn of events. Khawaja, who was well-set on 57 runs off 121 balls, attempted a pull shot against a short-of-length delivery but mistimed it. The ball found its way to KL Rahul at short mid-wicket, leaving Khawaja walking back with a rueful smile. This breakthrough was crucial for India as Bumrah continued to demonstrate his prowess as a match-winner.

    Here is the video:

    Also READ: WATCH: Steve Smith gets hit in the groin area by Akash Deep; Australian star reacts comically

    Labuschagne, who had looked solid at the crease with a composed 72 off 145 balls, eventually fell in the 66th over. Washington Sundar, introduced into the attack, enticed the batter into an expansive shot. Labuschagne, failing to get to the pitch of the ball, mistimed his shot and was caught by Indian skipper Virat Kohli at mid-off. This dismissal, coming right after the drinks break, was a significant moment for the Indian side as they sought to regain control.

    Australia ends Day 1 strong but not unscathed

    At stumps, Australia had posted a formidable 311 runs for the loss of six wickets. Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 68, showcasing his class with five boundaries and a six. Bumrah emerged as the standout performer for India, claiming three wickets and providing critical breakthroughs. While the day belonged largely to Australia, India’s disciplined bowling ensured the game remained finely poised. As both teams prepare for Day 2, the focus will be on whether India’s bowlers can capitalize on the momentum or if Australia’s lower order will stretch their advantage.

    Also WATCH: Ricky Ponting’s double standards criticizing Virat Kohli while ignoring his own past in the 4th Test | AUS vs IND



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  • WATCH: Steve Smith’s injury scare casts doubt on his participation in the Pink Ball Test

    WATCH: Steve Smith’s injury scare casts doubt on his participation in the Pink Ball Test

    Australia are facing a significant injury scare just days before their pivotal second Test against India, set to begin on December 6, 2024. The concern centres around star batter Steve Smith, who suffered a blow to his right hand during a net session in Adelaide on Tuesday. This incident has compounded the team’s existing injury woes, particularly following the announcement that pacer Josh Hazlewood will miss the match due to a side strain.

    A frightening moment in the nets for Steve Smith

    During the practice session, Smith was taking throwdowns from teammate Marnus Labuschagne when a ball unexpectedly bounced and struck his fingers. According to reports, Smith immediately left the nets after receiving attention from the team’s physio, raising alarms about the severity of his injury. Although he returned briefly to continue batting, uncertainty looms over whether he will be fit for the upcoming Test match against India, where Australia aim to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the first Test.

    Also READ: AUS vs IND: Travis Head responds to rumours of rift between Australia bowlers and batters

    Here’s the video:

    The ripple effect of injuries

    The Australian squad is already grappling with the absence of Hazlewood, who has been sidelined due to a “low-grade left side injury.” This injury not only rules him out of the second Test but also casts doubt on his availability for the remainder of the series.

    Hazlewood’s absence is particularly notable given his previous performance against India in Pink-Ball Tests, where he was instrumental in dismissing the Indian batting lineup for just 36 runs during their last encounter on Australian soil.

    In light of these injuries, Australia have called up two uncapped bowlers, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, to bolster their squad. Additionally, Scott Boland is expected to make a return to Test cricket after last playing in July 2023. The management’s decisions will be crucial as they navigate this challenging period.

    Marnus Labuschagne’s own injury scare

    Adding to Australia’s concerns, Labuschagne also experienced an injury scare during the same net session. He was reportedly struck by a rising delivery from bowling coach Daniel Vettori but managed to shake it off and continue batting. Both Labuschagne and Smith have been under scrutiny for their recent performances, with neither having scored a century in their last 23 innings. Their struggles have put additional pressure on Australia’s batting lineup as they prepare for a must-win situation against India.

    Also READ: AUS vs IND: Mitchell Marsh provides update on his fitness ahead of the Pink Ball Test



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  • AUS vs IND: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Adelaide’s pink-ball Test

    AUS vs IND: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Adelaide’s pink-ball Test

    The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 will unfold at the renowned Adelaide Oval, where India and Australia will face off in a Pink-Ball Test on Friday (December 6).  Following India’s resounding 295-run victory in Perth, the series has reached new heights of intensity, particularly with the World Test Championship (WTC) standings at stake.

    Australia vs India: Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

    India will be eager to make a strong comeback after their challenging experience in the 2020 Pink-Ball Test, where they were dismissed for a record-low 36 – marking their lowest score in Test cricket history. Despite that setback, India went on to secure a memorable 2-1 series win and will look to leave those difficult memories behind as they prepare for this tough match.

    Meanwhile, Australia will enter the fixture with an impressive record in day-night Tests. The hosts have remained unbeaten in pink-ball matches, securing 11 wins out of 12 matches played under lights. Their formidable pace attack, featuring Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, has been particularly effective in these conditions. This strong track record has further bolstered their confidence as they head into the match.

    Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Adelaide’s pink-ball Test

    1. Travis Head vs Jasprit Bumrah

    Travis Head has often found himself in intense duels against Jasprit Bumrah, and their 2018 encounter in Adelaide was no different. Head faced 99 balls, scoring 28 runs, while managing to survive Bumrah’s searing pace and late swing. Their battle in 2024 saw Head again test his skills against Bumrah’s variations, with Head making 17 runs off 33 balls before being dismissed. Despite showing glimpses of attacking intent, Head’s overall struggle against Bumrah emphasized the bowler’s control and ability to dictate the terms with relentless accuracy and pace.

    2. Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins

    Virat Kohli’s encounters with Pat Cummins have been a significant feature of India-Australia Tests, highlighting the battle between one of the best batters of his era and a premier fast bowler. In 2017, Cummins dismissed Kohli for a rare duck, showcasing his ability to bowl with precision and fire. Their clash in 2018 was more challenging for Kohli, who scored 56 off 177 balls but fell three times to Cummins’ sharp pace and probing lines. Despite Kohli’s occasional success, Cummins’ relentless pressure and seam movement made him a difficult proposition, as reflected in Kohli’s modest average of 23.0 in their face-offs.

    Also READ: AUS vs IND, 2nd Test: Adelaide Oval Pitch Report, Adelaide Test stats and records

    3. Steve Smith vs Ravindra Jadeja

    Steven Smith‘s encounters with Ravindra Jadeja have been a fascinating test of Smith’s technical prowess against quality spin. In 2013, Smith struggled against Jadeja but managed 29 runs off 119 balls. However, their defining duel came in 2017 when Smith faced 355 balls, scoring 122 runs and withstanding Jadeja’s spin through strategic shot placement and disciplined defense. Jadeja’s consistent pressure in 2023 brought Smith down to 89 off 201 balls, dismissing him four times in the series. Despite Smith’s determination, Jadeja’s tight lines and varied spin remained a challenge for the Australian batter.

    4. Marnus Labuschagne vs Mohammed Siraj

    The battle between Marnus Labuschagne and Mohammed Siraj showcases contrasting styles – Labuschagne’s composed technique versus Siraj’s relentless aggression. In 2020, Labuschagne managed just 11 runs off 24 balls, displaying a keen awareness of Siraj’s pace. Their 2021 clash was a different story as Labuschagne found form, scoring 75 runs from 148 balls with impressive defensive play. Nevertheless, in 2024, Siraj’s disciplined pace and bounce saw Labuschagne out for just 3 runs off 19 balls, proving Siraj’s continued growth as a bowler capable of unsettling even the best in the game.

    5. Rishabh Pant vs Nathan Lyon

    Rishabh Pant’s confrontations with Nathan Lyon have been characterized by his fearless approach and Lyon’s cunning spin. In 2018, Pant, with his natural attacking flair, scored 71 runs off 103 balls, countering Lyon’s spin with powerful shots. The 2019 series saw Pant score 51 off 81 balls without falling to Lyon. Their most dramatic battle came in 2021, where Pant smashed 95 runs in just 147 balls, displaying audacious stroke play and a deep understanding of Lyon’s variations. Despite a low score in 2024, Lyon’s masterful spin once again proved to be an obstacle, highlighting the ongoing struggle between Pant’s aggressive batting and Lyon’s deceptive spin.

    Also READ: AUS vs IND: India’s record in Test cricket at the Adelaide Oval

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  • ‘NZ loss will be a bit of damage to their confidence’ – Marnus Labuschagne on India ahead of BGT 2024-25

    ‘NZ loss will be a bit of damage to their confidence’ – Marnus Labuschagne on India ahead of BGT 2024-25

    With the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy just a few days away, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has opened up on India’s current state of mind.

    The five-Test series, set to commence in Perth, is important for the visitors as they are coming off a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand on home soil. Labuschagne addressed the potential psychological impact of India’s recent setback. 

    “It’s really hard to judge. They played in completely different conditions, spinning conditions but having India come here off the back of a loss at home is something that’s never happened before (in my career),” Labuschagne told the media.

    While recognizing India being under confident after loss to New Zealand, Labuschagne has not underestimated the tourists. He believes the recent loss might have slightly lowered their morale, but they still are a quality side. 

    “I think that is a good thing in terms of… they are probably a little bit lower on confidence, not coming off a Test victory, losing to New Zealand 3-0. I think that’s going to do a little bit of damage to their confidence,” he added.

    Also Read: Watch: Nathan Lyon shares hilarious Adelaide Test banter with Virat Kohli concerning Roger Federer

    However, the Australian batter drew a comparison to his own country’s recent history, where they have lost their last four series to India both home and away, emphasizing the need for attention.

    “They’re a quality line-up and they’re one of the best teams in the world. So you can never underestimate a team like that. They’re a quality line-up and they’ve showed that over a period of time. You can’t ever underestimate the depth of Indian cricket. Anyone that’s gets the opportunity to play for India have had to do a lot of hard work and find their way into that side… to actually play for a team like that, you have to be a very good player,” Labuschagne added

    The right-hander also spoke about the previous BGT in 2020-21, where India was without some of their stars due to injuries, but still managed to win the historic series second time in a row in Australia.

    “That’s what happened in 2021 — the likes of (T) Natarajan played, (Mohammad) Siraj got his first crack in Australia, Washington Sundar played. They had all these guys that were probably a little bit new — Shubman (Gill) played those couple of games (in the 2020-21 series) – so there were new faces around,” Labuschagne concluded.

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  • Travis Head’s stellar knock in record chase propels Australia to win over England in the 1st ODI

    Travis Head’s stellar knock in record chase propels Australia to win over England in the 1st ODI

    Australia registered a commanding seven-wicket win over England in the first ODI of the five-game series on Thursday (September 19), led by Travis Head’s unbeaten 154. Chasing 316 for victory, Head’s spectacular knock guided Australia to their target with six overs remaining.

    The opener’s innings, his highest in ODIs on English soil, set the foundation for Australia’s largest successful ODI chase in England. Head’s performance was bolstered by an unbroken 148-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne, who contributed a composed 77*. Australia’s victory extended their ODI winning streak to 13 matches, giving them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

    England falters after a strong start

    Earlier, England appeared set for a substantial total, powered by Ben Duckett‘s well-played 95 and Will Jacks’ half-century. At 213/2, the hosts were in control, but Duckett’s dismissal, caught and bowled by Marnus Labuschagne, triggered a collapse. Captain Harry Brook was the next to fall, also to Labuschagne, and England’s innings crumbled thereafter. Labuschagne and Adam Zampa (3/49) spun a web around the English batters, with Zampa celebrating his 100th ODI appearance by picking up key wickets. England lost their last eight wickets for just 102 runs, sliding from a strong position to being bowled out for 315.

    Also WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne’s golden arm strikes as Ben Duckett falls short of his century in the 1st ODI

    Travis Head’s flawless chase alongside Marnus Labuschagne for Australia

    Australia’s chase began with the early loss of Mitchell Marsh for 10, but Head took charge, playing with precision and flair. He survived a tough chance when Brydon Carse dropped him on 6, but quickly shifted gears to dominate the bowling attack. His sixth ODI century came in just 92 balls, featuring 19 boundaries and 3 sixes. Labuschagne, playing the supporting role, allowed Head to lead the charge, as the two batters dismantled England’s bowling attack. Head’s unbeaten 154 stands as a testament to his consistency and form, steering Australia to a comfortable win with plenty of time to spare.

    England now face a tough task in the second ODI at Headingley, where they’ll need to regroup and counter Australia’s momentum. After this crushing defeat, the home side will seek a more disciplined bowling effort and greater resilience in the middle order as they attempt to level the series.

    Also READ: ENG vs AUS: Fans erupt as Travis Head ignites Nottingham with a magnificent century in the 1st ODI



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  • ENG vs AUS [WATCH]: Marnus Labuschagne’s golden arm strikes as Ben Duckett falls short of his century in the 1st ODI

    ENG vs AUS [WATCH]: Marnus Labuschagne’s golden arm strikes as Ben Duckett falls short of his century in the 1st ODI

    Marnus Labuschagne, primarily known for his batting, stepped up with the ball during the 1st ODI between England and Australia at Nottingham on Thursday (September 19). Despite being a part-time bowler, Labuschagne’s leg-spin proved highly effective, as he claimed two vital wickets in quick succession. His breakthrough came at a critical juncture, removing England’s top scorer, Ben Duckett, just as he was closing in on a well-deserved century. Labuschagne’s clever variations and his ability to extract something from the pitch gave Australia a much-needed shift in momentum.

    Ben Duckett’s heartbreaking dismissal at 95

    Duckett’s dismissal was the turning point of the match. Batting with composure and elegance, Duckett had constructed a superb innings, scoring 95 runs from 91 deliveries with 11 fours, setting a solid platform for England at 213/2. Just as Duckett was on the verge of reaching three figures, Labuschagne delivered a short ball outside off-stump, which held up on the pitch. In an attempt to drive the ball, Duckett mistimed it and ended up spooning a simple catch back to the bowler. Labuschagne gleefully accepted the catch, celebrating the prized wicket as Duckett was left in disbelief. His dismissal came at a crucial time for England, slowing down their run rate and leaving them 213/3 in the 33rd over.

    Here’s the video:

    Also READ: ENG vs AUS 2024, ODI Series: Broadcast & Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK and other countries

    Marnus Labuschagne’s game-changing spell

    Labuschagne’s wicket of Duckett wasn’t a one-off stroke of luck. He followed it up by removing Harry Brook soon after, reducing England to 232/4. In just two overs, Labuschagne changed the complexion of the match, finishing with figures of 2/18. His second wicket, Brook, who had been playing aggressively with 39 runs off 31 balls, was another important scalp that halted England’s charge. Brook misjudged a delivery that stuck in the pitch. Attempting to play an aggressive shot, he ended up popping a simple return catch to Labuschagne, who reacted swiftly to take the catch by his bootstraps.

    England’s batting progress against Australia

    Though Duckett’s departure was a setback, England still had firepower to drive their innings forward. At the time of Labuschagne’s intervention, England had reached 240/4 in 36 overs. Duckett’s partnership with Will Jacks (62 off 56 balls) had earlier taken England to 168/2. Now, with Jamie Smith (9*) and Liam Livingstone (6*) at the crease, the hosts will be looking to regain momentum and aim for a competitive total closer to 350. However, Labuschagne’s key wickets mean Australia will feel they are still in with a strong chance of restricting England in the final phase of the innings.

    Also READ: ENG vs AUS 2024: Australia’s best XI for the ODI series against England



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  • Andrew McDonald addresses Marnus Labuschagne’s indifferent form

    Andrew McDonald addresses Marnus Labuschagne’s indifferent form

    Out-of-form batter Marnus Labuschagne received support from head coach Andrew McDonald ahead of Australia’s second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, starting on Friday, March 8.

    Australia won the first Test comprehensively in Wellington against their trans-Tasman rivals by a commanding 172 runs. They kept control of proceedings throughout the encounter and outplayed the Kiwis. However, star batter Marnus Labuschagne didn’t have the kind of outing he would have envisaged on a personal front. In the first innings, he managed to score a solitary run off 27 balls as he was dismissed by Scott Kuggeleijn. The right-handed batter would have hoped to turn things around in the second innings but he departed after scoring a couple of runs.

    Labuschagne’s form has been a bit of a concern for the Aussies of late. Last year, he played 25 innings and his average was just 34.91, his lowest in a calendar year since his debut season in 2018 when he had played only a couple of games, averaging 20.25. In his last five Test innings, the 29-year-old has scored just 20 runs.

    However, McDonald isn’t too concerned with Labuschagne’s dry patch. The former Australian cricketer said that it is more important for the batting department to do well as a unit. As long as the other batters around Labuschagne are doing well and Australia are winning, McDonald wouldn’t be overly worried.

    “I do not think there is any great concern from our point of view, in terms of we want the top six or seven batters to be performing as a collective. So while the rest are performing around that and you are winning games of cricket, the concern levels are fractionally lower,” McDonald was quoted as saying by India Today.

    Sometimes the conditions do not allow you to put pressure back on the bowler: Andrew McDonald

    McDonald opined that Labuschagne is at his best when he bats with intent and looks to put the pressure back on the bowler. The 42-year-old noted that it isn’t easy to attack the bowlers in every condition.

    “Over time there is going to be some ebbs and flows in your career and I thought in the second innings, the intent and the energy he (Labuschagne) brought to the crease – and it was only two runs, so I do not want to get carried away – but that is what we see when he is at his best,” said McDonald.

    “We saw that at Sydney (against Pakistan) in the second innings, we saw that at Manchester (in last year’s Ashes) where he had the intent to score and put it back on the bowler. Sometimes the conditions do not allow that, and you have to absorb a little bit more,” McDonald added.

    Also Read: ‘World’s shortest retirement’ – Pat Cummins takes cheeky dig at Neil Wagner

    Labuschagne has scored 4,018 runs from 49 Tests at an impressive average of 49.60 and amassed 19 fifties and 11 centuries. His records speak volumes of his sensational quality and one big knock could bring him back to his best.

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  • EVERY West Indies wicket in epic collapse | Australia v West Indies 3rd ODI

    EVERY West Indies wicket in epic collapse | Australia v West Indies 3rd ODI

    EVERY West Indies wicket in epic collapse | Australia v West Indies 3rd ODI | CODE Sports

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  • Covid no problem as new Aussie star rocks MCG

    Covid no problem as new Aussie star rocks MCG

    Life after a World Cup win looked different for Australia but just as dominant as a new opening batter defied a Covid positive and a breakthrough fast bowler put the West Indies to the sword in an eight-wicket romp at a sparsely populated MCG.

    Playing an ODI for the first time since that epic triumph in India, in front of just 16, 342 people, a far cry from the 100,000 in Ahmedabad last November, there were only five World Cup winners wearing green and gold in a match which may have had a questionable place on the calendar.

    But those in action provided some solid answers for national selectors looking to future-proof the team with Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and debutante quick Xavier Bartlett, who was player of the match, proving how deep the Australian white-ball ranks run.

    Inglis, one of the World Cup five who was playing after testing positive to Covid on Thursday, couldn’t have been more impressive given an audition as David Warner’s opening replacement swatting a quickfire and career-high 65, with 10 fours and a six, off just 48 balls.

    When he was dismissed for 65 Inglis had scored nearly 80 per cent of Australia’s runs in their chase for just 232 to win, a total achieved with the loss of just Inglis and Travis Head.

    The chase came after Queensland quick Bartlett franked his selection call-up taking a wicket with his third ball, 3-10 in his opening spell and 4-17 for the match, the second-best bowling figures for an Australian on ODI debut.

    He opened the bowling with fellow first-gamer Lance Morris, selectors finally unleashing the “wild thing” as they became the fourth Australian pair of ODI debutantes to open the bowling, the first since 2016 and the first in Australia since 1997.

    The day before he was handed his cap by Queensland teammate Marnus Labuschagne, Bartlett talked about selection being the “light at the end of the tunnel” after a long injury-layoff in 2023 after suffering a back stress injury in the UK.

    He only returned to action in the Big Bash, taking 20 wickets for the Brisbane Heat during their march to glory and, given his national call-up in the absence of frontline quicks, could have had five at the MCG after replays showed a denied LBW appeal was out.

    “I’ve had a few layoffs with injuries and have just been trying to hone my skills with our bowling coach in Queensland, Andy Bichel, he’s been really good for me,“ Bartlett said.

    “Having that extended layoff, which is frustrating, now standing here you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    “But I still need to improve on a lot of things to get to where I want to get to.”

    Building off the momentum of his Test return, Green, batting at number three, brought up his second ODI half-century making an unbeaten 77 to go with two wickets, as he and captain Steve Smith (79 off 79 balls) combined for 149 runs to guide the Australians home in the 39th over.

    FINALLY FOR WILD THING

    After being handed his first international cap, West Australian tearaway Morris conceded to having endured an “interesting” past 12 months being part of Test squads, without playing,

    The 25-year-old didn’t snare himself a wicket after taking the new ball, and finished with figures of 0-59 from 10 overs. after being swatted for a coupe of sixes, but was happy just to finally be wearing the green and gold.

    “It’s been 18 months of being in that little bit of limbo, being around the squad,” he told Fox Cricket.

    “It was interesting. But it was also amazing and a learning experience and it makes that transition into playing a little bit easier.”

    Morris also declared his intention “bring a bit of pace to the game” with instructions from selectors clear.

    “I won’t try and change too much and hope it comes off,” he said.

    HEAD SCRATCHER

    The last time Travis Head played an ODI, he pounded a match-winning century in an epic World Cup final win.

    But he lasted just five balls at the MCG as he returned to the 50-pver game, after smashing his first for four, continuing an ugly past week after a king pair of ducks in the Gabba Test against the West Indies.

    Outside his hundred in the first Test against the Windies, Head has struggled so far in 2024 making just 204 runs in 9 innings with three ducks.

    BUCKING THE TREND

    The last two times Australian selectors chose two-first gamers as the new ball pairing, things didn’t go so well.

    In Johannesburg in 2016, Chris Tremain and Joe Mennie the home team put on a massive 6-361 in a 142-run romp to victory, with the two quicks conceding a combined 1-160.

    And in Brisbane in 1997, when Anthony Stuart and Andy Bichel took the new rock in their first games, both Brian Lara and Carl Hooper scored centuries in a seven-wicket West Indies win.

    But the MCG proved a happier hunting ground against a West Indies side far from full-strength.

    Originally published as Josh Inglis swatted a career-high batting with Covid as Xavier Bartlett took four wickets on ODI debut

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