Mohammed Siraj throws an open challenge to Marnus Labuschagne before Day Night Test

Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj opened up about his on-field exchange with Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne during the first Test of the series. Mohammed Siraj said that he loves bowling against the "under-pressure" Marnus Labuschagne, adding that the batter tries to show that he is confident.

Labuschagne has struggled with form in recent Test matches as he recorded eight single-digit scores in his last 10 innings, with an average under 14. He played an ultra-defensive knock in the first innings against India. He scored just two runs off 52 balls before being dismissed LBW by Mohammed Siraj.

I Loved Bowling To Marnus Labuschagne - Mohammed Siraj

Speaking on Star Sports, Mohammed Siraj stated that he enjoyed the challenge of bowling to Marnus Labuschagne. Siraj said that Labuschagne often plays under a lot of pressure, adding that he leaves many deliveries rather than trying to play at them.

"I loved bowling to Marnus, enjoyed the battle because he plays under a lot of pressure. He tries to leave a lot of deliveries rather than trying to play at them. He defends and tries to show that he is confident. That is not really confidence. And my confidence is always high (laughs)," Siraj told Star Sports.

Mohammed Siraj has dismissed Labuschagne three times in Test matches. Labuschagne has scored 125 runs at an average of 41.70 against Siraj. The 30-year-old Australian has only scored one century in 37 Test innings since the start of 2023.

There's A Lot Of Talk About Marnus Labuschagne Being Dropped - Michael Clarke

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes Marnus Labuschagne should be given more chances amid speculation about his potential exclusion from the Test squad. Clarke said that he still considers Labuschagne the best option for the No. 3 spot, adding that a short break will help him.

"I know there's a lot of talk about Marnus being dropped, but I hope they give him another crack. I still think he's our best option [at No.3]. I think he's a very good player who's out of form, but I think he can turn that around if he gets his preparation right and looks after his mind, probably even gets away from the game for a couple of days in the lead-up to this second Test," Clarke said on ESPN's Around The Wicket.

Marnus Labuschagne to Be Next Seen in Action During 2nd Test in Adelaide

Marnus Labuschagne has strong Test numbers despite his recent struggles. The right-handed batter has scored 4,119 runs in 51 Test matches at an average of 48.45, with the help of 11 centuries and 20 half-centuries.

Meanwhile, Australia is under significant pressure after a heavy loss in the opening Test against India. The home team will aim to level the five-match series in the second Test match, starting on Friday, December 6 in Adelaide.

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