Australia’s number three Marnus Labuschagne has been under the pump as he hasn’t been able to convert his starts into substantial scores in the first three Ashes Test matches against England. In fact, Labuschagne had failed to go past the 50-run mark in the first three games, and his best score was 47, which he scored in the first innings of the Lord’s Test.
The right-hander had got off to multiple starts but could not go on to play an impactful knock for the visitors. However, Labuschagne revealed he felt confident about his technique while entering the fourth Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Labuschagne scored a patient knock of 51 runs in the first innings and then played a fine knock of 111 runs in the second dig, which was his 11th Test century. The 29-year-old played at the top of his game but he was disappointed with the timing of his dismissal on the penultimate day.
Labuschagne told the host broadcaster, “It’s hard to judge where I feel with it. Obviously, it’s always very special getting a Test hundred. It doesn’t happen too often but I’m disappointed I couldn’t get us to tea. I feel like my game is in a really good space now. Coming into this game I was confident about my technique and how I was batting. I was able to be confident and go back to my strengths, forcing their hand to bowl a lot of balls at me and take time out of the game.”
In fact, only 30 overs were possible on the penultimate day of the Test match. Labuschagne highlighted their aim will be to play for the draw but admitted the conditions will be challenging.
“We were so close to having a tremendous day there. We only needed 60 more to be within England’s first innings total. The wicket feels alright, the ball change has more swing and that’ll be a challenge in the morning, if we get play tomorrow. For us, this is about saving this Test match and retaining the Ashes.”
Australia ended the day’s four play at 214-5, still trailing by 61 runs, with their two all-rounders – Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green – unbeaten at the crease.
