Australia vs India: Hosts add Marnus Labuschagne to the squad for Sydney Test

India thrashed a listless Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to take an impenetrable lead of 2-1 in the four-match series. The hosts’ batting has been a problem so far in the series and to address the same, the selectors have called in Marnus Labuschagne to resolve their batting woes ahead of a must-win clash at Sydney.

Australian skipper Tim Paine had already named the 13-man squad following their emphatic victory at Perth last week, however, after their shambolic batting performance, Australia have been forced to add a new member to avoid conceding the first-ever series loss to India in the longest format of the game.

The wicketkeeper-batsman confirmed the news in the post-match press conference at the MCG. The 24-year old Queenslander has not been called as a replacement but reports seem to suggest Mitchell Marsh and Aaron Finch are under the scanner following their horror show in the third Test.

Labuschagne was included for the two-match Test series against Pakistan in the UAE in October. He was dropped following a lean outing at the desert, scoring 43 runs in two matches. The right-hander presently averages 28.22 from five matches with 254 runs. He also provides a leg-spinning option, having taken seven wickets in the two Tests he featured in.

Brad Haddin addresses the pitch conditions and batting collapse

Australia’s fielding coach Brad Haddin was uncertain about what the wicket in Sydney might offer since the last few Shield games have ended up in no result. The former wicketkeeper-batsman also conceded that there will be questions asked about the horrendous batting display and the inconsistency of the inexperienced players.

“We’re not quite sure what we’re going to get with the Sydney wicket. The last few Shield games have been draws, it’s been flat and starting to turn late.” Haddin was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

“There will be questions asked. There has to be. You’ve got to start asking questions. If you’re not performing with the bat or the ball, questions will be asked. That’s part and parcel of international cricket. You can’t hide away from the pressure..there is a lot of hurt everyone in that change room” the 41-year-old further added.

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