Marnus Labuschagne says he never felt in any danger of losing his place and believes Australia‘s revamped batting line-up is going to succeed despite another innings that was propped up by one individual performance among failures elsewhere. He also defended the shot option of wicketkeeper Alex Carey who popped up another catch in the ring to fall cheaply for the third Test innings in a row.
Labuschagne proved the adage that form is temporary, and class is permanent with a brilliant 90 to help Australia post a 94-run first innings lead on a tricky Hagley Oval pitch, although it did get better to bat on throughout the day.
“It’s nice to be once again back in the runs,” Labuschagne said after scoring his first score of more than 10 in his last four Test matches. “Did I feel like I was going lose my spot? I’d say no. That’s what the confidence of this team has done. The coaches, the selectors, the captain, they’re very clear with trusting in the players and trusting that we do have the best six, seven batters in the country here.
“If you’re going through a rough patch, what we’ve been able to do over a period of time is, everyone’s picking up each other’s slack. When someone’s not doing well, someone else picks it up.”
The spotlight that was on Labuschagne’s form has transferred to Carey after he endured a very difficult day with both bat and gloves. He had picked up the slack when Australia needed it against West Indies just two Tests ago. But the manner of his dismissals in that innings and since have been a huge cause for concern.
“I’m happy with Alex’s option there to get that 45 guy [square leg] in and make it very tough for the bowlers to bowl,” Labuschagne said about Carey’s dismissal. “I think spin certainly looked like at that stage of the game where we needed to score runs. But that’s how the game goes.”
Labuschagne also defended the revamped batting group, although he did acknowledge they had yet to fire as a collective since Steven Smith moved up to open and Cameron Green slotted in at No.4.
“Yeah, it’s not gelling perfectly yet,” Labuschagne admitted. “The sample size is getting bigger and we’re getting more information. But from what we’re seeing, we’re liking where Greeny is at No. 4. He’s batting really well. Even last innings he played beautifully, again.
“And Steve averages 58. So he’ll find a way. I am 100% sure that he’s going to find a way. It’s just part of the game. It is tricky up there. We haven’t been playing on wickets that are very easy to start your innings on for a fair few Tests now, so once he gets in, I’m sure he’s going to make it count.”
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