Already 0-1 down in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Australia are off to a poor start. Poor forms of Australian batters are also subject to intense discussion at the moment. Ahead of the IND vs AUS Adelaide Test, former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has proposed a bold move. Johnson believes that Marnus Labuschagne should be dropped from the team following his lacklustre performance in the Perth Test, where he managed only 2 (off 52 balls) and 3 (off 5 balls).
Writing in his column for Nightly, Johnson argued that taking Labuschagne out of the spotlight would allow him to regain confidence and form through domestic cricket.
“Marnus Labuschagne – after a lengthy poor run with the bat – should be replaced for the second Test in Adelaide. And that’s not for the sake of having someone pay the price for the thrashing in Perth,” Johnson explained.
Marnus Labuschagne’s struggles with the bat
Labuschagne, known for his remarkable Test record of 4119 runs at an average of 48 in 51 matches, has faced significant struggles in recent months. In his last 10 innings, he has crossed double figures only twice, raising alarms about his form. In the last two years, Marnus Labuschagne has scored at an average of 34.91 with just a century.
Johnson believes a stint in domestic cricket, including Sheffield Shield and club matches, would help Labuschagne. He can rebuild his technique and confidence without the intense pressure of international cricket.
“He would benefit more from playing away from the pressures of facing Jasprit Bumrah and other top-class Indian bowlers. Dropping Labuschagne doesn’t mean he won’t have a long-term future in the Test team or that he’s the wrong player to bat at three. But right now, we need him to get back to scoring big runs,” Mitchell Johnson said.
Johnson also criticized the decision to use Labuschagne as a back-up seamer during the Perth Test, citing potential injury risks for specialist batters. This concern follows Mitchell Marsh’s injury, which left Australia Cricket Team short of all-rounder options.
However, in Pink Ball Tests, no Australian batter has a better record than Marnus Labuschagne. The Australian batter averages 63.85 in Day/Night Tests and is the highest run-getter in the Pink Ball Tests. He has four centuries and three half-centuries in 14 innings, making him a significant threat for India Cricket Team.
Concerns over Steve Smith’s form
In addition to Labuschagne’s situation, Johnson voiced concerns about Steve Smith‘s recent performances. The veteran batter, once renowned for his precision, seems to be struggling to maintain his sharpness. Smith is averaging just 25.55 in 2024 and has scored just one half-century in 12 innings so far.
“Steve Smith’s form is a serious concern. He’s missing balls on his pads that would have been easy runs in the past,” Johnson remarked.
While Johnson criticised Smith’s form, like Labuschagne, he is also a Pink-ball monster. Smith has scored 760 runs at 40.00 average in Pink Ball Tests. He has five half-centuries and a century in the Day/Night Tests.
Australia’s Challenges Heading into the Second Test
The IND vs AUS Adelaide Test is crucial for Australia not only to bounce back after a heavy defeat in Perth but also to remain in the race for WTC Final 2025. With South Africa replacing Australia from Tthe op 2 of WTC Standings, Australia need to bounce back quickly.
With a formidable Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, the team must reassess their strategies and make key adjustments. Johnson’s candid analysis adds to the mounting pressure on the Australian side to find solutions for their batting woes while maintaining competitiveness.
The decision on whether to stick with Labuschagne or implement Johnson’s recommendation will be closely watched as Australia seeks to level the series.
