Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson wants the team to replace struggling Marnus Labuschagne in the second Test match against India. The right-hander returned with scores of two and three in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy against India at the Optus Stadium, Perth, which the visitors won comprehensively by 295 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Labuschagne was plumbed in front by Siraj in the first innings after he trudged to two runs off 52 balls. The right-hander was also dropped by Virat Kohli when he was yet to get off the mark. In the second innings, Labuschagne was trapped in front by Jasprit Bumrah when he shouldered arms to an incoming ball.

Labuschagne has struggled to get going as he has been averaging 24.5 across six Test matches in 2024 as he has managed only 245 runs.

Johnson wrote in column for Nightly, “Marnus Labuschagne – after a lengthy poor run with the bat – should be replaced for the second Test in Adelaide. And that’s not for the sake of having someone pay the price for the thrashing in Perth.”

The former left-arm pacer added it would be better for Labuschagne to go back to Sheffield Shield to gain his lost confidence rather than play against Jasprit Bumrah-led pace attack.

“It would give him a chance to play some Sheffield Shield and club cricket away from the pressure of playing for your country. I feel he would benefit from that more than going out there trying to survive against Jasprit Bumrah and co.”

On the other hand, Johnson feels Steve Smith’s form is also a big cause of concern for the home team.

“Steve Smith’s form is a serious concern. He looks like he has lost his sharpness we are used to, missing balls on his pads that in the past were easy runs.”

Smith returned with a golden duck and 17 in the opening Test at Perth. The second Test match between Australia and India, which will be a pink-ball game, will be played at Adelaide Oval from December 6 onwards.