Marnus Labuschagne Has Started Preparation For Subcontinent Spin Attack

Marnus Labuschagne has been thinking about the challenges of facing Indian bowling attack. Particularly the spin master Ravichandran Ashwin who always had better of Australians, knocking them out with his high quality bowling.

A dramatic clash took place between the two during the illustrious 2020–21 series in Australia, which India memorably triumphed at the Gabba. Prior to missing the pivotal Test, Ashwin dismissed Labuschagne twice in six innings, with the head-to-head matchup concluding fairly evenly.

With the four-match series beginning in Nagpur from 9 February, this will be Labuschagne’s first Test trip of India after making his ODI debut there in early 2020. He has long been preparing for how he will go after Ravichandran Ashwin.

Marnus Labuschagne has played five subcontinental Test matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with varying degrees of success. The highlight was a century in the second Test in Galle, but it was crucial that Australia let a commanding lead go before he was dismissed for 104.

After the Test series against South Africa was over, Marnus Labuschagne is now part of Brisbane Heat in Big Bash League. Australia will land in India just seven days prior to the first Test and will hold a brief training camp there at the end of January.

Here’s What Labuschagne Said

Marnus Labuschagne said: “Since then [the last series] I’ve already started thinking. I’ve changed some of my game because of what I’ve heard about Ashwin and how he bowled to me. I’ve adapted my game to try and foil a few of his ideas and ways he goes about it, so it’s going to be a lovely game of chess and I can’t wait for it.”

“People think, right now it’s Big Bash then you start thinking, but the thinking happens way ahead. You start processing everything in your mind, you go through every scenario of what bowler you are going to come across. I’ve already thought about my plans so now it’s just about executing…piece the puzzle together and make sure the puzzle is ready when it’s game time. That’s the key, and that’s how all preparation happens.”

“We’re always talking about that game and what’s to come and how we’re going to go about it,” Labuschagne said. “Think the important part is that once we get there, we’ve already gone through all the scenarios and that’s where his experience and a lot of the other guy’s experience will become very helpful.”

“Can’t wait, so excited for the next 10 Test matches. We’ve played really well, people know we are very good at home, very tough to beat…but the challenge we have going two away series in a row, that’s going to be awesome. I can’t wait for the challenge against spin in India and can’t wait for the challenge of Bazball verses Ronball,” Labuschagne concluded.