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Ready to open in Warner's absence: Marnus Labuschagne
Last updated on Nov 30, 2020, 12:52 pm
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Australian middle-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne has offered to open the innings in the absence of injured David Warner.
The news comes after the star opener was ruled out of Australia's white-ball games.
Warner suffered a groin strain in the second ODI against India, having limped off the field eventually.
He will now undergo rehabilitation in order to be fit for the Test series.
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Opportunity
'Would love to grab the opportunity', says Labuschagne
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Here is what Labuschagne said.
"Certainly if I got asked to open the batting, it's an opportunity that I would enjoy doing. We'll see how our team shapes up for the next game and see the balance of the side, but I would love doing it," he stated.
"My role at number 4 is just to read the situation and play my role accordingly."
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Success
Labuschagne rose to prominence at The Ashes
![Labuschagne rose to prominence at The Ashes]( "Labuschagne rose to prominence at The Ashes")
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Labuschagne had his first taste of success in the 2019 Ashes.
He became the first-ever concussion substitute in the history of international cricket after Steve Smith got injured during the Lord's Test.
Standing against all odds, Labuschagne scored a 100-ball 59 before Australia salvaged a draw.
This proved to be a career-defining knock for him.
He ended the series with 353 runs at 50.43.
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Data
Only batsman with over 1,000 Test runs in 2019
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He was the highest run-scorer in Test cricket last year and the only batsman to have touched the 1000-run mark. He aggregated 1,104 runs from 11 Tests at 64.94. Interestingly, his present average of 63.43 is the second-best in Tests after Sir Don Bradman (99.94).
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ODIs
Labuschagne has showed resistance against the Indian bowling attack
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Besides stamping his authority in Test cricket, Labuschagne has also looked tailor-made for the 50-over format.
So far, he has amassed 466 runs from 12 ODIs, including a ton and three fifties.
He even looked in supreme touch during the second ODI against India, having played a 70-run knock.
It will be interesting to see if he gets promoted up the order.
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Partnership
He duly supported Steve Smith during the innings
![He duly supported Steve Smith during the innings]( "He duly supported Steve Smith during the innings")
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Labuschagne played his bit as Smith anchored the Australian innings to bring up yet another ton.
Speaking on the same, Labuschagne said, "We had Steve in so when I came to the crease it was just about building a partnership and a bit of momentum with him, and taking a back seat. When he was dismissed, me and Maxy played a bit more expansively."
