Adelaide Test: Marnus Labuschagne reveals how he overcame poor form
What's the story
Australian right-handed batter Marnus Labuschagne has opened up on the changes he made to his game to find his form again. Ahead of the second Test against India, Labuschagne was going through a lean patch. His woes were visible in the series opener at Perth Stadium where he succumbed to Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.
Performance rebound
Labuschagne's comeback in Adelaide Test
However, Labuschagne managed to bounce back amid the tough conditions at Adelaide Oval. After Australia lost Usman Khawaja early in their first innings, he scored a resilient 64 runs off 126 balls, including nine fours. The performance was a stark contrast from his earlier struggles and demonstrated his ability to adapt under pressure.
Game analysis
Labuschagne's self-assessment and technique adjustments
After the Perth Test, Labuschagne admitted his flaws. He told cricket.com.au, "At the end of the Perth Test, I knew I wasn't moving into the ball well. There were a lot of things I didn't like about how I played." Despite the struggles, he found positives in his ability to spend nearly 60 balls out in the middle. This self-assessment made him change his technique.
Strategy shift
Labuschagne's strategic changes and partnership
Labuschagne's 67-run partnership with Nathan McSweeney helped Australia gain momentum in the Adelaide Test. He revealed that he adjusted his head position and trigger movements, focusing more on his pre-ball setup for better alignment. "It was my pre-ball set-up and getting a better alignment there, getting my head pushing more forward," Labuschagne explained about his strategy shift.
Match impact
Labuschagne's contribution to Australia's victory
Labuschagne's improved performance helped Australia take a lead of 157 in their first innings, which eventually led them to a 10-wicket victory. His comeback not only marked a personal triumph but also played a crucial role in the team's success. As the third Test approaches on Sunday, December 14 at The Gabba in Brisbane, Labuschagne aims to maintain this momentum.
Form
Labuschagne's recent form ahead of the Adelaide Test
Ahead of the Adelaide Test, Labuschagne registered a solitary fifty in 10 innings. He scored 90 against New Zealand back in March 2024. Labuschagne's scores in his last 10 Test innings before Adelaide read 10, 1*, 3, 5, 1, 2, 90, 6, 2 and 3. He owned 123 runs from these 10 innings at a dismal 13.66. In December-January, during the Test series against Pakistan at home, Labuschagne managed 16, 2, 63, 4, 60 and 62* respectively.