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Why Paine wouldn’t drop Labuschagne even if he fails again in Adelaide
Lachlan Geleit • December 6th, 2024 1:55 pm
Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine wouldn’t be dropping Marnus Labuschagne even if the No. 3 fails again in Adelaide.
The Queenslander was backed in for the second Test despite making just five combined runs in Perth and Paine thinks that was the right call from the selectors.
It’s not just the last Test where he’s failed though, with Labuschagne averaging just 13.66 across his last 10 Test innings.
While Labuschagne has been horribly out of form, the former keeper explained why he thinks the right-hander should at least remain in the side for the next two Tests.
“I certainly would have (picked him for Adelaide) and I'd be backing him again next Test as well,” Paine said on SEN Breakfast.
“There are a few reasons why, one is he's got some credits in the bank, that's first and foremost. You don't get to the averaging 48 in Test cricket, even after a horror run recently without (being a good player).
“Secondly, I'm not sure what the options are behind him at the moment, and if there are options they are young and I’m not sure I want to expose that to Jasprit Bumrah. That's got to be in their thought process.
“You don't want to throw Sam Konstas into this series against a guy of his quality at the moment. It could be a really bad way to start a Test career.
“Thirdly, I think it actually works in Marnus’ favour that this is a pink ball Test. He almost gets a bit of a free hit because batting can be extremely difficult and they'd be unlikely to drop someone after a pink ball Test.
“So, there’s a couple of things in his favour.”
The second Test between Australia and India in Adelaide begins at 3:00 pm (AEDT) on Friday. Listen to every ball LIVE on SEN and the SEN app.
