IND vs AUS: "It's Going To Be A Wonderful Game Of Chess": Marnus Labuschagne On Facing Ravichandran Ashwin

Published - 13 Jan 2023, 02:20 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne (Image Credit: Twitter)

The forthcoming four-match Test series in India will feature an Australian batsman named Marnus Labuschagne who has stated that he is making an effort to challenge Ravichandran Ashwin. The top off-spinner is someone the right-hander says he is looking forward to playing.

When these two teams faced two years ago in Australia, the Ashwin vs. Labuschagne-Smith conflict was a major storyline. Prior to his comeback with scores of 91 and 73 in the drawn Test at Sydney, Labuschagne was removed by Ashwin in Adelaide and Melbourne.

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Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin (PC-Getty Images)

Marnus Labuschagne stated that he attempted to understand Ashwin’s business practices and adapted his strategy accordingly. He compared it to a game of chess, as per Perth Now:

“Because of what I’ve heard about Ashwin and how he bowled to me, I’ve altered some aspects of my game. I’ve changed my strategy to try to thwart some of his ideas and methods. It’s going to be a wonderful game of chess, and I can’t wait.”

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Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne. Image: Twitter

One of India’s most important bowlers, Ashwin poses a serious threat to Australia’s attempt to win their first Test series in India since 2004. The seasoned finger-spinner has a stellar record at home, averaging 21.16 with 24 wickets in 51 Tests.

“I’ve already thought about my plans”: Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne has acknowledged that he has had his sights set on the prestigious India tour for a considerable amount of time and that he has prepared in accordance with this goal through scenario-based training. He further stated that execution is now everything:

Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne (Image Credit: Twitter)

“The preparation starts so far back. People think, right now it’s Big Bash then you start thinking – but the thinking happens way ahead. You start processing everything in your mind; you go through every scenario of what bowler you are going to come across. I’ve already thought about my plans, so now it’s just about executing.”

In a little under a month, Labuschagne will play his first Test match in India in Nagpur. But after visiting Pakistan and Sri Lanka over the past 12 months, he has gained some understanding of the subcontinental conditions.

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