Australia vs India 2018: Marnus Labuschagne Could Replace Mitchell Marsh for Sydney Test

The leg-spinning all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne could replace Australia’s vice-captain Mitchell Marsh for Sydney Test. Marnus who had impressed on his debut series against Pakistan has been added to Australia’s squad for the fourth Test match. On the other hand, Mitchell Marsh had come up an ordinary performance in the third Test match against India.

Australia went on to lose the Boxing Day Test match by 137 runs and trail by 2-1 in the ongoing series. In fact, the hosts have been let down by their batsmen who don’t have experience on their side. Thus, Australia will aim to turn the tables in the fourth Test match.

Marsh has been disappointing.

“There is jungle drums beating loudly…my mail is Marnus Labuschagne is looking very good for Sydney,” Australia chief cricket writer Peter Lalor told SEN Test Cricket.

“They haven’t made a decision yet but they’ve talked to him. They’re keeping him on stand by, they want him ready to go.

“It looks pretty grim for Mitch Marsh, he would come in for Mitch Marsh. If you look at it, that’s the one sensible change, isn’t it?

On the other hand, Marnus Labuschagne has played two Test matches for Australia. He had scored 81 runs in the two Tests and had also scalped seven wickets against Pakistan.

“Marnus has shown a little bit and he is a funky spinner, reasonable fielder and brings some great energy to the place.

“I think they see him as a long-term player, so to get some games into him when they can is a good idea, and you’re not gaining much with Mitch Marsh there.”

Australia will need to come up with a solid performance to level the series in Sydney. The final Test match will begin from January 3.

Here is Australia’s squad for the fourth Test match:

Tim Paine(c), Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Siddle, Marnus Labuschagne.