Head coach McDonald speaks over Marnus Labuschagne's Test future | PC- AFP
Australia had a harsh tour of South Africa, where they not only lost the series but also had an embarassing outcome after taking an early lead in the first Test match.
The visiting batters were the primary reason behind Australia’s failure, especially after the series was being looked at as their redemption after the infamous Sandpaper Gate in 2018. The likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith failed to live up to expectations.
Head coach admits Marnus Labuschagne failed to seize opportunities in South Africa
After the conclusion of a harsh South African tour, head coach Andrew McDonald has given a hint about Marnus Labuschagne's Test future.
The former Test number one batter has been out of form, failing to score a single half-century in Test cricket this year. Additionally, he hasn’t scored a Test century since July 2023.
As Australia are set to take on New Zealand in a four-match Test series, starting on December 9, the head coach has clearly stated that Labuschagne failed to “take his opportunity" against South Africa.
However, McDonald also said the team management are in no rush, as they don’t want to make any emotional calls.
"He's (Marnus Labuschagne) had some opportunities that he's missed on this tour in particular so that'll be something in the next week or so that we'll get our heads around. We're not in a rush to make decisions. There's too much emotion. But, as I said, he hasn't taken his opportunity on this tour,” head coach Andrew McDonald told Cricinfo.
Marnus Labuschagne's spot under pressure as Australia begin transition
Marnus Labuschagne played all three Tests in South Africa, scoring just 131 runs across six innings at an average of 21.83, with a best of 37. Throughout the tour, Labuschagne’s dismissal repeatedly triggered a batting collapse for Australia.
After the SA vs AUS series, captain Pat Cummins hinted at possible changes to their Test setup, given the average age of the squad is on the older side.
The Aussies have already started their transition phase with players like Cooper Connolly, Sam Harper and Matt Renshaw getting included. Thus, it would be a shocker if the national selectors move on from Labuschagne in the near future.
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