Our batting line-up more stable now, India series would be challenging – Marnus Labuschagne

 

Australia’s middle order batsman Marnus Labuschagne has stated that the team’s batting line-up is more stable now as compared to the 2018-19 series against India. Labuschagne, who was the highest run-getter in the Test matches in 2019, also added that the series against India would be challenging.

The right-hander is going to add spark in Australia’s batting order along with David Warner and Steven Smith. Both of these talisman batsmen had missed the previous series against India due to their ball tampering bans.

Labuschagne, who has shown a solid technique against both fast bowling and spin, reckons it would be a challenge to face the potent Indian pace battery. Indian pace unit had collectively snared 48 wickets on the previous tour and they are going to hold the key for the Virat Kohli’s team.

Jasprit Bumrah had finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 21 wickets and Labuschagne added it will not be easy to face the gun fast bowler.

The Indian bowling battery has been ticking the right boxes in the last couple of years and it is going to be a fascinating battle between Indian bowlers and Australian batsmen.

“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 Steven 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,” Marnus Labuschagne said while talking 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 right-hander.

The right-hander has scored 1459 runs in 14 Test matches at an impressive 63.43 with the help of four centuries and eight fifties. Labuschagne scored 1104 runs in 11 Test matches at an average of 64.94 to finish as the highest run-getter in 2019.

The right-hander from Queensland has shown the promise to go a long way in his career. Hence, he is going to play a big role in the series against India.

The first Test match between Australia and India will take place at the Gabba, Brisbane from December 3. The second Test will take place at Adelaide Oval from December 11 and it will be a pink-ball affair. The third and fourth Test match will be played at MCG and SCG respectively.

India had won the previous series by 2-1 but there is no doubt that they would need to work harder this time as Australia have a better side.