Brad Hogg wants Marnus Labuschagne to open alongside Aaron Finch in the Canberra ODI against India

Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg reckons that Marnus Labuschagne is the ideal candidate to open the batting along with Aaron Finch for the third ODI against India in Canberra. After taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, the hosts would be looking to complete a whitewash when they step out on Wednesday, December 2 at the Manuka Oval.

Labuschagne didn’t get much of a chance to bat in the first ODI since the Aussies got off to a flying start and promoted the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. But in the second ODI, the right-hander showed his class, scoring 70 runs off 61 balls at a strike-rate of 114.75 with the help of five fours. He fell prey to fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the 49th over.

Hogg lauds Marnus Labuschagne

Hogg feels that Labuschagne has the technical prowess to open with Finch for the dead rubber. David Warner won’t be available for the game as he has been ruled out of the remaining white-ball matches against India due to a groin injury.

In the meantime, Hogg took to Twitter and wrote, “No Warner, Labuschagne’s batting style would thrive as an opener in ODI cricket. Definitely Australia’s best option to open with Finch in the final ODI. #INDvsAUS #Cricket.”

Here’s the tweet-

No Warner, Labuschagne's batting style would thrive as an opener in ODI cricket. Definitely Australia's best option to open with Finch in the final ODI. #INDvsAUS #Cricket

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) November 30, 2020

Apart from Warner, Pat Cummins won’t be playing the remaining limited-overs matches as well. Justin Langer, the head coach of the hosts’ team, said that the duo needs to stay fit for the Test series, which is set to start on December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.

“Pat and Davie are critical to our plans for the Test Series. Davie will work through his injury rehab and in Pat’s case it is important all of our players are managed well to keep them mentally and physically fit throughout what is a challenging summer,” Langer was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz.

He also understands the importance of the Tests keeping in mind the World Test Championship. “The priority for both is being fully prepared for one of the biggest and most important home Test Series we have played in recent years, especially with World Test Championship points up for grabs,” he added.