Australia vs India 2018/19: Marnus Labuschagne To Play At Number 3 - Reports

If the reports by Sydney Herald are to be believed, Australia might set to give a surprise to Indians for the final Test of the series by asking Marnus Labuschagne to bat at the number 3 position for the team. Marnus Labuschagne was brilliant in the net sessions, which might prompt them to go with him.

It is learnt that Labuschagne was told he would bat at No.3 during the team’s final training session on Wednesday. It would certainly see Aaron Finch being dropped from the team, as Usman Khawaja will take the opener role.

An opportunity to score – Marnus Labuschagne

“It’s an opportunity to stand up, score big runs against the best bowling attack in the world at the moment – as a batsman you thrive on that,” Marnus Labuschagne said after receiving the call-up.

While announcing his inclusion, Tim Paine quoted ”We know how good a cricketer he is, he’s really skilled in all facets of the game. We saw in the UAE his leg-spin improved out of sight, and you’re almost leaning towards him at Test level now as a bit of an all-around option, which is a really good package for us.”

Meanwhile, the sudden change in the batting lineup might be a fortunate thing if Labuschagne continues his domestic form in the International cricket. In the meantime, the presence of Marnus could ask Peter Handscomb to make his way back in the team.

Surprisingly, quite unlike to them, Australia hasn’t declared their final XI for the Sydney Test. They chose to wait, as they wanted to reveal the playing XI after having a decent look at the pitch before the game gets underway.

The fourth and Final Test of the series will be played on January 2nd at Sydney. India took an unassailable lead while Australians want to level the series with a win at Sydney.