We need to replicate Cheteshwar Pujara's batting: Marnus Labuschagne

In what is a must win game for Australia, the visitors managed to gain an edge on Day One of the SCG Test. Batting first, India lost KL Rahul early after which Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara combined for a 116-run partnership for the second wicket. While Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane departed early, India’s number three went on to score a century.

The Australian bowlers toiled hard on the field as India posted 303/4 at stumps. All rounder Marnus Labuschagne who was expected to bowl a few leg-breaks didn’t have a great outing in the field. The leg spinner was hit for three boundaries in his very first over by Pujara. The 24-year-old lauded his splendid batting and hoped to take a leaf out of his book. He also looked optimistic saying that they will restrict India under 400.

Throughout the series, Pujara has displayed some spectacular form. He has scored 458 runs in the series so far at a magnificent average of 76.33. Marnus asserted that the temperament shown by Cheteshwar Pujara was phenomenal. He further looked forward to replicating the same as Australia came to bat.

“He was very classy. He has time and patience around at the crease. The way he batted is something I personally would take a lot from. He just batted a lot of time and he has done that through the whole series. And that’s what we are going to need to do to step up to put a big score on the board,” Labuschagne said after the end of day’s play.

We will restrict them under 400

The Indian lower order hasn’t been at their best in the series. Labuschagne remarked that a couple of wickets would likely help them break in to the Indian batting lineup. The all-rounder felt that the pitch was likely to deteriorate after Day 3. Hence, it was important to restrict the visitors quickly and put up a good score.

“We are only 2-3 wickets away from being able to break it open and if the boys put the ball in the right areas tomorrow, I am confident that we can get early breakthroughs and get them out for under 400. The wicket stays good for three days and deteriorates quite fast. Then the game moves quickly at the back end and it’s going to be the same again, so the first innings will be key for us,” he added.

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