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"Hasn't Scored At No 3": Finch Raises Alarm On Labuschagne's Test Spot Ahead Of WTC Final

Soumyajit Dutta

Marnus Labuschagne [Source: @ICC/X]Marnus Labuschagne [Source: @ICC/X]

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch believes Marnus Labuschagne's struggles to counterattack against bowlers have made him vulnerable to being dropped from the Test side for the first time since 2019. 

Essentially, Labuschagne's position hinges on whether he survives, potentially opening the batting in a last-chance saloon, or if selectors opt for Sam Konstas. His average of 28.33 this WTC cycle pales compared to his dominant 2019-2022 form, despite important knocks like his 2023 Old Trafford century, a Christchurch 90, and key fifties against India.

Finch Rings Warning bell For Labuschagne's Form

Notably, recent seasons have seen Marnus Labuschagne stagnate at times, notably against Jasprit Bumrah. Examples include his 2 off 52 balls in Perth and 12 off 52 in Brisbane. His strike rate over the last two years has dipped to 46.40, significantly lower than his career mark of 51.94.

"It's a difficult one because Marnus hasn't scored the runs at No. 3 and the way that he's been playing has probably been the concern for me. I mean his strike rate has plummeted over the last 18 months. He is not putting any pressure back on the opposition at all. And when you're batting in that position, you have to be prepared to counterattack at certain times," Finch added.
"You can't just allow the best bowlers in the world to bowl with a new ball at you over and over without forcing their hand a little bit. You're going to get a good one. We've seen wickets around the world have probably been better for fast bowling over the last couple of years, so you can't afford to just sit there and wait to score," Finch told ESPNcricinfo.

Finch's critique echoes the selectors' stated desire for aggression when they chose Konstas over Nathan McSweeney earlier, highlighting Konstas's 60 off 65 balls at the MCG as fulfilling the attacking role vacated by David Warner. 

Labuschagne's Chances For WTC Hangs In The Balance

A potential top three of Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, and Cameron Green, all known for absorbing deliveries, risks lacking dynamism. Labuschagne's experience in England remains a key factor in his favour.

Notably, Australia's middle-order options have also intensified with Cameron Green's return from injury, Beau Webster's solid Test start, and Josh Inglis's debut century as they look forward to June 11 for the Final at Lord's.