Lower-order batsmen deserve recognition for their performance against the Indian bowling attack: Labuschagne

Melbourne, Dec 29 (NationPress) Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne praised the impressive late efforts of the lower-order batsmen for helping them increase their lead in the ongoing fourth Test against India, despite facing a tough challenge from the visiting pacers led by Jasprit Bumrah on Sunday.

Following India's innings, where they were bowled out for 369 in the first session of Day 4, Australia found themselves in a difficult position at 91/6. However, vital contributions from Pat Cummins (41), Nathan Lyon (41 not out), and Scott Boland (10 not out) helped them reach 228/9 at stumps, establishing a lead of 333 runs.

Earlier, Labuschagne notched his second consecutive half-century in the match, forming a crucial 57-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Cummins.

Despite the quick loss of Labuschagne (70), Mitchell Starc (5), and Cummins, which seemed to give India a foothold, the unbeaten partnership between Lyon and Boland turned the momentum back towards Australia.

"The ideal scenario for us would have perhaps been to bowl tonight and put India under pressure. However, given how the wicket behaved and the way India bowled during the first 40 to 50 overs, that wasn't feasible for us," Labuschagne stated, as reported by the ICC.

"Our focus shifted to accumulating runs, and we've managed to build a solid total now, although there was a moment where we could have ended up with a lead of only 250 or 270. I believe we handled that phase remarkably well, and the lower-order deserves significant credit for their management during that crucial period," he added.

The Australian batter dismissed the notion of India replicating their remarkable fourth-inning chase at the Gabba in 2021, where they successfully chased down 328 runs for a memorable victory.

"The pitch at the Gabba was very flat. There were some cracks visible, but overall it was a good wicket. I recall that match because it started a day or two earlier than expected, making it feel like a Day 2 pitch on Day 1, and it was quite solid," Labuschagne reminisced.

"That match had a bit of bounce typical of Brisbane, but it was an excellent surface. We were in a position where we had to win the series, so we aimed to set a challenging total."

"Ideally, we would have preferred to set India a higher target in that game, which would have allowed us to bowl fewer overs. However, due to the necessity of winning, we had to take some risks," he concluded.

The outcome of the match on Monday will significantly impact the winner in the five-Test series, which is currently tied at 1-1. With a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at stake, both teams are eager to finish strongly before heading to Sydney for the series finale.