It’s not often that batters are cheered after singles and doubles unless they’re registering a milestone. Test cricket, however, provides for a unique landscape where batters can often get stuck trying to negotiate complex spells from the opposition bowlers.
Marnus Labuschagne is no stranger to slow starts in Test matches but his recent form has been concerning for Australia. In the first innings against India in Perth, Labuschagne faced 52 deliveries to only score two runs before losing his wicket to Mohammed Siraj. He had also been dropped by Virat Kohli before shutting up shop.
Batting under the lights in Adelaide, Australia’s number three refused to change his strategy despite his lean form in this format. Averaging just 13.66 across his last 10 Test innings, Labuschagne stuck to his guns even as tension built up among the fans every time Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj steamed in.
However, batting on nought for 18 deliveries, Labuschagne looked composed. His leaves outside off stump were clinical and his blocks were assured and rock-solid. Minutes after arriving to the crease, he also took on Bumrah with his mannerisms and antics. Although the Indian superstar responded in kind with a couple of scorching deliveries, Labuschagne clung on.
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And when he did finally manage the breakthrough after pushing Siraj’s delivery for a couple of runs on his 19th attempt, there was a huge roar from the Adelaide Oval.
While getting holed in for 18 deliveries may look like plenty, former India captain Rahul Dravid had once taken 40 balls to score his first run. Facing Australia in the Sydney Test in 2008, Dravid blocked and left 39 deliveries and when he finally opened his account thanks to a misfield, the audience rose to its feet to applaud him ironically. Dravid acknowledged the banter by raising his bat in exchange.
By the end of the day's play, Labuschagne took himself to 20 off 67 as Australia finished on 86-1.
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