Australian coach Andrew McDonald has vowed the nation will see a different version of Marnus Labuschagne when his chance to bat again comes in Perth, with the host nation in a massive hole in the first Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
After being battered, bruised and bullied by the Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian attack of Friday, the Australian No.3 was struck again on the body when facing in the nets on Saturday morning prior to what proved another testing day for the hosts in Perth.
The 30-year-old adopted an ultra-defensive mindset against India in the first innings, managing just two runs from 52 balls before being trapped LBW by Mohammed Siraj, and McDonald conceded Labuschagne was taught a lesson at the crease.
Labuschagne has notched only one score of more than 10 — a 90 against New Zealand in the opening innings 스포츠토토사이트 against New Zealand in Christchurch in March — in his past five Tests among an Australian top order struggling to find form.
“He’s working on his game as hard as ever (but) there’s no doubt he can learn some lessons from the first innings,” McDonald said.
“He was in the nets this morning working through what his method is going to be in the second innings. And clearly, your mindset changes based upon the conditions as well.
“So the game plan from the first innings is going to look different from the second innings. Test cricket is a unique game. You get two bites at it. So we look forward to that opportunity with the bat when it does come.”
After narrowly avoiding the ignominy of being bowled out for a record low tally against India on home soil when scoring 104, which left Australia 46 runs in arrears after the first innings, the nation’s highly-vaunted attack was unable to make inroads on Saturday.