Australia vs India: Marnus Labuschagne wants to make most of the opportunities

Australian batsmen have constantly struggled against the Indian pace attack in ongoing Test series. Especially, opener Aaron Finch, who has been a let down with the bat scoring just 91 in four innings averaging 16.16. It is not just Finch but even the experienced batsmen like Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja and Tim Paine failed to convert their starts into big scores. None of the Australian batsmen has scored a century yet in this series. The Aussies after failing in the third Test have called up batting all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne for the Sydney Test.

Labuschagne who made his international debut earlier this year against Pakistan failed to create an impact, scoring just 81 runs along with 7 wickets in four innings. However, he regained attention with better performance in first-class cricket scoring 254 in 9 innings which included 2 half-centuries. As Mitchell Marsh failing to perform with the bat, the Aussies might give the Queenslander a go since the surface is expected to assist spin.

Labuschagne likely to replace Mitchell Marsh 

Apart from his batting ability Labuschagne also bowls leg-spin. Looking at his first-class career the all-rounder has scored 2521 runs in 43 matches with a decent average of 33.17. He has also been handy with the ball having taken 24 wickets with an average of 48.08. On the other hand, the younger Marsh continued his poor run scoring just 19 in two innings and returned wicketless.

Delighted with the national call-up

While speaking to Australian Associated Press the all-rounder said he was overwhelmed after the national call-up. It means that he gets another life to prove himself after an ordinary series against Pakistan. It emerges as a perfect chance for him to score big and also contribute with the ball and to cement his place in the squad.

“It’s an opportunity to stand up, score big runs against the best bowling attack in the world at the moment – as a batsman you thrive on that,” Labuschagne said.

The Indians are ahead in the series leading 2-1. The fourth Test commences on 3rd January and Virat Kohli-led Indian side will be eager to win their first ever Test series on Australian soil.

[interaction id=”5c28d2431769cd7f4b10c95d”]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from Australia vs India series, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.