Last Updated on 18 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Legend Brian Lara has shared his thoughts on why Marnus Labuschagne is struggling in Test cricket. The great West Indies batsman believes Labuschagne is too occupied by what’s going on around him.
Australia’s number three has struggled in recent times, scoring 1,171 runs at 27.9 since the start of July 2023. His last Test hundred came in the Ashes series three years ago.
Brian Lara on why Marnus Labuschagne is struggling in Test cricket
Labuschagne enjoyed a magnificent start to his Test career, but Lara believes the luck he enjoyed has caught up to him. The right-hander was dropped on numerous occasions in the early days, giving him the opportunity to make big scores.
“It was laughable a few years ago how many chances Marnus got with dropped catches and may his luck has run out,” Lara told CODE Sports.
“He looks like a player who is vulnerable early on and he needs to get set.”
Labuschagne’s spot in Australia’s XI is under danger after an underwhelming first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. He scored one off 20 balls in the first innings before playing all around a Taijul Islam half-volley for 31 in the second. He was dropped on single figures in the second dig, squaring up yet again.
Lara says Labuschagne is too absorbed by his surroundings. One of the greatest Test batters believes Australia’s number three needs to think less to benefit the team.
“I think he needs to tighten up and when I watch him he seems very absorbed by what is happening. Sometimes you need to get out of your own space and release. Not be selfish but look after yourself for the good of the team,” Lara said.
The second and final Test against Bangladesh begins on Saturday in Mackay.
