By David Parsons
Australian batting coach Michael di Venuto is confident Marnus Labuschagne will bounce back from a disappointing opening Ashes Test.
The Glamorgan batsman went into the series against England as the number one Test batsman, and deservedly so, as Labuschagne racked up five centuries – including a 204 against the West Indies – late last year.
Marnus Labuschagne has sent a major scare through the Aussie camp after copping an agonising injury in the nets.
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But the right-hander failed to fire in the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston, being dismissed first ball in the first innings and collecting only 13 runs in the second innings.
That, combined with Joe Root’s unbeaten century and handy 46, saw the Englishman dethrone him from the top of ICC Test batting rankings.
England talisman Stuart Broad found Labuschagne fishing outside off stump on both occasions, something he will have to consider as he prepares to face up on what is predicted to be a livelier pitch at Lord’s.
Australia assistant coach Michael Di Venuto provided a major injury update on Marnus Labuschagne.#ENGvAUS #Ashes2023https://t.co/uJGtXKcY0k
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“I hadn’t seen what happened in the first Test, and it certainly didn’t happen the week before at The Oval [in the World Test Championship final against India],” said di Venuto of Labuschagne failing to leave the ball outside off-stump.
“Whatever it was, hopefully it was brief and he can get back to normal this week. It can be a bit strange – sometimes things happen in the game. He nicked two balls he normally leaves quite regularly. Hopefully, he bounces back this week.
“He has a few other reasons why he thinks he played at the ball which he thinks he has fixed up. As we saw today, hopefully he is back on track.
“But Marn is his best coach. The same as ‘Smudge’ [Smith]. They are great problem solvers, and that’s why they have been such great players for Australia for a period of time.
“We’re here to help, and anything we see as well, we’ll mention, but those two are their own best coaches.”
The second Ashes Test gets underway at the home of cricket – Lord’s – on Wednesday, with Australia 1-0 up in the five-match series.