New Delhi: Top-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne reckons Australia now has a “stable” batting lineup and as a result, the upcoming Test series against India would be a great spectacle for everyone involved.
The last time India toured Australia during the 2018-19 season, the Virat Kohli-led side registered their first Test series win on the Aussie soil. However, the powerhouse Australian duo — David Warner and Steve Smith — were missing in action because of a year-long ban for the ball-tampering scandal. Australia and India are slated to take on each other in a four-match Test series this year, beginning from December 4 in Brisbane.In a telephonic interview with ANI, the 26-year-old from Queensland opened up about the upcoming India-Australia series, the new ICC guidelines, and his bond with teammate Steve Smith.
Labuschagne said that India probably has one of the “best bowling attacks in the world” at the moment, however, with the likes of Smith and Warner back in the team, Australia would be in a much more stable position. “I cannot wait for the series against India. The series will be between the number one and number two ranked sides in the World Test Championship. Having Steve Smith and David Warner is a massive win for us, one batsman averages in the 60s while the second one averages in the high forties. That will add massive balance to our side,” the right-handed-batsman spoke to ANI in a telephonic interview.”I also think that we are playing better cricket now, our batting lineup is more stable now, guys understand their role, it would be a great challenge facing India’s bowling attack. India has one of the best bowling attacks in the world, if not the best,” added the batsman.
When asked who would be the most challenging Indian bowler to bat against, Labuschagne replied, “Jasprit Bumrah with the extra pace adds a bit of value to the Indian attack, he can swing the ball both ways, he is right up there in the rankings. It would be exciting to see two great pace attacks take on each other. We would be required to be at our best to defeat India.
“The second Test of the series, scheduled for later this year, at Adelaide would be a day-night Test. When quizzed about whether Australia would have an advantage over their guests, Labuschagne believes otherwise. “I don’t think Australia would have a clear advantage in the day-night Test, we have played more pink-ball Tests. The way the game is right now, people are used to adapting so I really don’t think we would have an outright advantage,” he said. (ANI)
