'Don’t be surprised if Marnus Labuschagne...': Aussie great warns India ahead of Brisbane Test

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke believes that Marnus Labuschagne can score a century in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test against India. Michael Clarke said that Marnus Labuschagne hasn’t scored as many runs as he would like, but he can bat with more confidence in the next Test match.

Marnus Labuschagne faced criticism after scoring just 2 and 3 in the Perth Test match. The right-handed batter played a gritty 64-run innings in the Adelaide Test against India, where Australia secured a 10-wicket victory. He showed resilience in challenging conditions and helped Australia secure a crucial 157-run lead.

Marnus Labuschagne Found a Way to Get Through - Michael Clarke

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Michael Clarke praised Marnus Labuschagne for his composure in getting through the first night of the Adelaide Test. He pointed out that India’s bowlers didn’t hit the right line and length. Clarke praised Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney for their disciplined defense.

"I thought the way he found a way to get through that first night was exceptional. I don't think India got their line and length right like they did in Perth.They were a fraction short and a fraction wide, but Marnus deserves a lot of credit. So does McSweeney. I think the way they let the ball go, they held their line in defense. So if they did move, they didn't chase it," Clarke told ESPNCricinfo.

A Marnus hundred incoming? Michael Clarke thinks so 💯 pic.twitter.com/zhgmnnjAeM

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 11, 2024

Michael Clarke said that Marnus Labuschagne can score a big hundred in the upcoming Brisbane Test. Clarke admitted that Labuschagne hasn't been scoring as many runs as he would like. Clarke pointed out that such innings help build confidence for a bigger score.

"He hasn't scored as many runs as he would like. So it's never going to look perfect first up. I think generally as a batter, if you can scratch yourself to a half century or a 60 or a 70, you take that because then the next innings is the one where you start to feel a bit more confident, a bit more yourself, and more balls are hitting the middle of the bat," Clarke stated.

"So don't be surprised if he walks out in Brisbane and makes a big and important hundred like he's done for a long time. So yeah, Davey makes a point. He wasn't at his best, and if he's going to get caught at gully averaging 50 or 60, I'm okay with that," he concluded.

Third Test Between India and Australia to Commence on December 14

Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith have struggled in the series so far, with top scores of 13 and 17, respectively. Mitchell Starc recorded his career-best figures in the first innings, and Pat Cummins claimed a five-wicket haul in the second innings.

With Nathan McSweeney settling in after a nervous debut and Travis Head in destructive form, Australia's batting lineup looks stronger for the upcoming match. With the series tied at 1-1, the third Test will begin in Brisbane on Saturday, December 14.

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