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As the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final is around the corner, fans and experts are actively debating the playing XI, conditions, and possible outcomes. One such name has stated something that left the cricketing arena abuzz. Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has made some stark remarks about one of Australia’s most reliable Test batters, Marnus Labuschagne, questioning his recent form and whether he still deserves a guaranteed spot in the side ahead of the WTC final against South Africa.
Aaron Finch questioned Marnus Labuschagne’s approach at number 3
Taking to ESPN Cricinfo Finch expressed concerns over Labuschagne’s recent performances, particularly his declining strike rate over the past 18 months. Finch pointed out that Labuschagne hasn’t been scoring enough runs at the crucial No. 3 position and is failing to put pressure back on the opposition. He emphasized that a batter in that role needs to be capable of counterattacking when required, something Labuschagne hasn’t been doing effectively off late.
“It’s a difficult one because Marnus hasn’t scored the runs at No. 3 and the way that he’s been playing has probably been the concern for me. I mean his strike rate has plummeted over the last 18 months. He is not putting any pressure back on the opposition at all. And when you’re batting in that position, you have to be prepared to counterattack at certain times,” Finch said.
Finch further noted that facing the world’s best bowlers with a new ball requires a proactive approach. He stressed that batters can’t afford to sit back and wait, as they’re likely to get a good delivery eventually. With pitches offering more assistance to fast bowlers in recent years, he believes it’s essential for players to take the initiative and force bowlers into changing their plans.
“You can’t just allow the best bowlers in the world to bowl with a new ball at you over and over without forcing their hand a little bit. You’re going to get a good one. We’ve seen wickets around the world have probably been better for fast bowling over the last couple of years, so you can’t afford to just sit there and wait to score,” he added.
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Labuschagne’s ordinary run in the 2023-25 WTC cycle
Labuschagne made his Test debut in 2018 against Pakistan in Dubai, though it wasn’t a promising start. However, over time, the 30-year-old made headlines with his excellent technique, grit, and determination, which eventually earned him a permanent spot at No. 3 in Australia’s Test lineup. He became a prolific run-scorer, particularly on home soil, consistently troubling bowling attacks from around the world.
However, in the ongoing WTC 2023-25 cycle, the right-hander has endured a dismal run with the bat. In 19 matches, Labuschagne has managed to score only 935 runs at a modest average of around 28, with just one century and eight half-centuries to his name, a significant dip from his earlier standards.
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