Border Gavaskar Trophy: Marnus Labuschagne falling apart in Test cricket?

Australia’s No. 3 batter, Marnus Labuschagne, endured a forgettable outing in the India vs Australia opening Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, registering scores of just two and three in his two innings. In the first innings, Labuschagne battled for 52 deliveries, attempting to hold his ground as wickets tumbled around him. Despite his efforts, Australia crumbled spectacularly, managing only 104 runs in reply to India’s modest first-innings total of 150. The second innings proved even more dismal for Labuschagne. With Australia tasked with salvaging the game after Pat Cummins fell late on Day 3 while trying to shield his teammate, Labuschagne succumbed within just five deliveries. He was the third batter to fall in a dramatic 4.2-over period before stumps. His mode of dismissal compounded the frustration: misjudging a delivery that struck him on the knee roll of his back leg, he left the ball only to lose his balance and his wicket.

Border Gavaskar Trophy: Marnus Labuschagne's slump continues in Test cricket

For a batter of Labuschagne’s caliber and reputation, the timing and nature of these dismissals have raised concerns about his form and approach in high-pressure scenarios. With the series underway and the second Test looming, Labuschagne will need to regroup quickly, finding a way to adapt and deliver against a relentless Indian bowling attack. His performance will be crucial as Australia seeks to recover from their crushing defeat and restore momentum in this fiercely contested series.

"Marn, along with quite a few other guys in the team, didn't have the week we would have wanted. It's no secret how hard the batters, particularly Marn, work in the nets. He's always trying to find those small marginal gains. This week will be a lot of conversation with the coaches around his approach and what he could be doing differently," said Aussie captain Pat Cummins during the press conference. 

"This is a sample size of one. Four or five days ago we thought this was our best XI. So I dare say there won't be many changes going into Adelaide, but I'm not a selector. I'm sure they'll get together after the game. We've got a bit of work to do over the next 10 days," he added.

Marnus Labuschagne's recent Test form has been a cause for concern. Since scoring two half-centuries against Pakistan in Sydney in early January, the Australian No. 3 has surpassed 50 only once in 10 innings—a solid 90 against New Zealand in Christchurch. Worryingly, this is also the only time he has scored more than 10 runs in a Test innings during this period, with eight single-digit dismissals staining his record. Extending back into 2023, apart from a 51 and 111 on a flat Manchester wicket—where England relied heavily on spin due to bad light—Labuschagne has reached fifty just three times in 23 innings.

Despite this rough patch, Labuschagne's career Test average remains a respectable 48.45, primarily sustained by his stellar performances early in his career and his dominance in home conditions. In 2022, he struck four centuries in five innings, including three consecutive tons against a depleted West Indies team during another lopsided series in Australia. However, this peak followed a modest tour of Pakistan and a subdued finish to the 2021/22 Ashes.

Marnus Labuschagne burst onto the international scene as Australia’s golden boy, quickly earning comparisons to Steve Smith for his quirky mannerisms and relentless obsession with batting. Known for his tireless hours in the nets, Labuschagne displayed an insatiable hunger for runs, and his performances early in his career cemented his place as a key figure in the Australian lineup.

Labuschagne’s big break came during the 2019 Lord’s Ashes Test, famously stepping in as the first-ever concussion substitute for Smith. From there, he made an indelible mark, finishing the year with an extraordinary average of 64.94. Though he narrowly missed scoring a century during the remainder of the Ashes series, Labuschagne’s consistency shone through, setting the stage for a dominant home summer.

In the 2019-20 Australian season, Labuschagne smashed three consecutive centuries, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. He capped off the run with a monumental double century in Sydney, underlining his growing stature as one of the premier batsmen in world cricket. His rise coincided with the onset of the Covid pandemic, but by then, Labuschagne had already established himself as a cornerstone of Australia’s batting order and a successor to the nation’s rich cricketing legacy.

Marnus Labuschagne’s career has followed a clear pattern: prolific run-scoring at home on familiar pitches with the trusted Kookaburra ball, followed by middling returns on overseas tours. Despite occasional slumps, his stellar home performances have secured his spot. However, with his recent struggles, even on Australian soil, both Labuschagne’s reliability and Australia’s dominance at home appear to be faltering.

Now, Australia faces decisions. With David Warner’s retirement prompting flexibility, they’ve shown willingness to shift Steve Smith up the order. Slotting Smith at No.3 could open opportunities for another batter lower down. Alternatively, Australia could opt for a like-for-like replacement or consider one of the players edged out during the opener selection. While captain Pat Cummins has downplayed any major changes ahead of the Australia vs India Adelaide Test, Labuschagne’s position is under more scrutiny than ever. For the first time in his career, Australia may seriously weigh their options.