Marnus Labuschagne’s recent struggles with the bat have sparked calls for his omission from Australia’s playing XI in the second Test against India in Adelaide, beginning December 6. Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson, writing in Nightly, advocated dropping Labuschagne to help him regain form in domestic cricket. Labuschagne managed only 2 runs off 52 balls in the first innings and 3 off 5 in the second during the Perth Test, continuing a lean patch that has seen him cross double digits just once in his last 10 Test innings.Australian legend urges selectors to drop Marnus Labuschagne in a blunt message.
Johnson emphasized that the decision to drop Labuschagne, who has amassed 4119 runs at an average of 48 in 51 Tests, should not be seen as a reflection of his long-term potential. “This isn’t about punishing him for the defeat in Perth,” Johnson wrote. “It’s about giving him an opportunity to find his rhythm in Sheffield Shield and club cricket, away from the immense pressures of international play. Facing Jasprit Bumrah and company in this form could be counterproductive.”
Labuschagne, 30, remains a vital player for Australia’s future, Johnson insisted, but his current slump requires corrective measures. “We need him to return to making big scores. It’s not enough to just survive at the crease,” he added. Johnson also questioned Labuschagne’s occasional role as a back-up seamer, which could expose him to unnecessary injury risks.Australian legend urges selectors to drop Marnus Labuschagne in a blunt message.
Johnson, who claimed 313 wickets and scored 2065 runs in his Test career, also voiced concerns about Steve Smith’s form. The veteran batter looked uncharacteristically out of touch during the Perth Test, Johnson noted, missing scoring opportunities on deliveries that would normally have been dispatched with ease.
Reflecting on Labuschagne’s situation, Johnson reiterated that being dropped should not signal the end of his Test career. Instead, it should be viewed as a strategic move to help him rediscover his confidence and refine his game. Labuschagne’s form slump coincides with Australia’s efforts to secure a strong performance in the Border-Gavaskar series and maintain momentum in the ICC World Test Championship.Australian legend urges selectors to drop Marnus Labuschagne in a blunt message.
With the Adelaide Test looming, selectors face a tough call. Balancing team needs with Labuschagne’s development could set the tone for Australia’s campaign, especially with the experienced Indian bowling attack posing significant challenges on a pink-ball surface.
