Last Updated on 11 months by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Will Australia pick Marnus Labuschagne or Marcus Stoinis for the World Cup Final? | Labuschagne vs Stonis debate
Just like the semi-final, Australia have a decision to make regarding the final place in the playing XI, with either Marnus Labuschagne or Marcus Stoinis to line up at Ahmedabad. Labuschagne was preferred against South Africa, but Stoinis is considered a chance of replacing him in what could be better batting conditions than what the Australians encountered at Eden Gardens.
Labuschagne’s 304 runs at 33.77 are not world-beating numbers, but he does offer a more reliable option in the middle order should Australia lose early wickets. Also, he is a livewire in the field, saving countless runs and creating opportunities as well.
On the other hand, Stoinis provides another bowling option, which could come in handy against a firing Indian batting lineup. However, he has not hit an ODI fifty since the 2019 World Cup, and is averaging just 21.75 in this tournament. His highest score of 35 came at Ahmedabad against England back on November 4.
Could Marcus Stoinis replace Marnus Labuschagne? Pat Cummins has his say
Pat Cummins said Australia will wait until the toss to make the decision. The captain inspected the pitch yesterday, and said he would see how the pitch looks right before the game.
The surface has a firm feel to it, which could bring Stoinis’ skillsets into play. In the pre-match press conference, Cummins was asked if Stoinis could replace Labuschagne. “Potentially, yeah,” he replied. “Those are things we’ll weigh up before every game.”
Labuschagne played his best and most important innings of the tournament at this ground. He hit 71 against England, arresting what could have been a big slide after Australia lost early wickets. Pat Cummins’ team eventually won the contest, with Adam Zampa (29 and 3/31) winning man of the match.
No matter which way Australia go, they need a massive effort to beat this India team in front of over 100,000 fans. Rohit Sharma’s team has been outstanding in this World Cup, winning all ten matches by comfortable margins, making them red-hot favourites. But, Australia is always a dangerous proposition, and the team has some crucial head-to-head matchups to tap into.
Should Australia prevail, it will be their sixth ODI World Cup title. If India get the job done, they will lift their first title since 2011 and officially end their 10-year ICC trophy drought since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013.
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