Aaron Finch Analyzes Marnus Labuschagne's Struggles Ahead of WTC Final
Concerns Over Labuschagne's Performance
New Delhi [India] June 9: Aaron Finch, the former captain of Australia, has shared his thoughts on Marnus Labuschagne's difficulties in scoring runs while batting at number three.
He expressed worries regarding Labuschagne's recent performance, noting a significant drop in his strike rate over the last year and a half.
“It’s a tricky situation because Marnus hasn’t been able to score effectively at number three, and his current form raises concerns for me. His strike rate has decreased considerably in the past 18 months,” Finch stated in a video shared by a sports media outlet.
“He isn’t applying any pressure on the opposition, which is crucial for someone in that batting position. You need to be ready to counter-attack at key moments,” he added.
Labuschagne has accumulated just 935 runs in 36 innings, with a top score of 111 and an average of 28.33, which includes one century and eight half-centuries.
Finch also endorsed Sam Konstas to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa on June 11. He praised Cameron Green's capabilities, suggesting he could also bat at number three.
“Cameron Green is a talented player. Beau Webster made the most of his chance at number six. Perhaps Konstas could return to open, and we could see Green at three, setting the stage for the next World Test Championship cycle. With Steve Smith at four and Travis Head at five, the team still has a lot of strength and options,” he remarked.
Under the captaincy of Pat Cummins, Australia aims to defend the mace they secured after defeating India in the last World Test Championship Final held at the Oval in June 2023.
Australia's squad for the WTC final includes: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, and Matt Kuhnemann. The traveling reserve is Brendan Doggett.