Finch Raises Concerns Over Labuschagne's Form for Australia Before WTC Final
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Synopsis
Aaron Finch expressed that Australia might need to reconsider Marnus Labuschagne's selection for the World Test Championship final due to his ongoing poor form. With strong competition from new players, Labuschagne's position is under threat, while others, including Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, are ready to step in.
Key Takeaways
- Aaron Finch suggests dropping Marnus Labuschagne.
- Labuschagne has struggled with form, averaging 31.54 this year.
- New players Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis are vying for spots.
- Cameron Green could return soon, adding depth to the squad.
- Steven Smith believes Labuschagne can bounce back.
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) Former captain Aaron Finch suggested that Australia ought to think about excluding Marnus Labuschagne from the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June, pointing out his prolonged struggle with form as a justification for his potential omission.
With the recent impressive performances by Sam Konstas, Beau Webster, and Josh Inglis, Australia is faced with challenging selection dilemmas for the final, as competition for batting positions heats up.
Travis Head, who opened in Sri Lanka, indicated that he anticipates Konstas will regain his place at the top of the batting order against South Africa, while Cameron Green is also vying for a position as a specialist batter as he recovers from back surgery that has kept him out this season.
This situation places Labuschagne under immense pressure to retain his spot, having recorded only one century in his last 51 Test innings and maintaining an average of 31.54 since the beginning of 2023. This marks the first instance since he established himself in 2019 that he faces such intense scrutiny.
"I've opted for Cameron Green or Josh Inglis. They're at No. 3," Finch stated on ESPN's Around The Wicket when the panel was asked to choose their XIs for the WTC final.
"The main reason is that I consider Labuschagne's form to be quite concerning as it has persisted over four series. If it were only two or three, one could argue that he is on the verge of returning to form. However, the fact that it's been four series is, to me, a truly alarming sign.
"I believe Josh Inglis will get his chance to join the side. Or if Cameron Green is fit, he adds significant value to both the bowling lineup and the batting order, possessing the ability to bat at any position in the order."
Nevertheless, Michael Clarke and Callum Ferguson included Labuschagne in their final selections, although Clarke remarked that this could be a pivotal moment for him.
"I hope they select him for the Test Championship final. It presents completely different conditions against a different opponent. He has played a substantial amount of county cricket and is well-acquainted with English conditions," Clarke expressed.
"Keep in mind that he bats in the most challenging position. I believe No. 3 is the toughest spot in Test cricket. It's true, his numbers do not lie; he is out of form. However, he is due for a turnaround.
"In my view, this Test Championship could be his last chance. Heading to the West Indies, I would prefer to see an opportunity given to a younger player if Marnus fails to score runs in this Test Championship. If he performs well, there is no question he retains his place as he has been a remarkable player," he added.
Meanwhile, Ferguson included both Labuschagne and Green, positioning the latter at No. 6 to assist the frontline bowlers.
"I am counting on the four bowlers to effectively deliver in this one-off Test match," he mentioned.
"We have not utilized Mitch Marsh much over the past few years. He has held the No. 6 position. Therefore, we have essentially functioned without that dependable all-rounder in that slot, bowling 10 overs a day. That is my perspective."
Stand-in captain Steven Smith expressed confidence in Labuschagne overcoming his slump, drawing comparisons to his own experience of being low on runs before scoring four centuries in his last five matches.
"Marn is somewhat similar to me in that regard," Smith noted. "I have mentioned this many times regarding myself; there is a distinction between being out of form and simply out of runs.
"I personally do not believe he is out of form. I have observed his training and gameplay, and many of the aspects that have served him well remain intact. He is aware that he desires to score additional runs, and we all wish for that too, but in my opinion, it is just around the corner."
