IND vs AUS: David Warner criticizes Marnus Labuschagne's performance in Adelaide Test

Australia’s David Warner has expressed doubts over Marnus Labuschagne's performance in the second Test against India at the Adelaide Oval. Despite Australia’s convincing 10-wicket win, Labuschagne’s 64 in the first innings was met with some criticism from his former teammate Warner, who felt the knock didn’t reflect the player’s true capabilities.

Warner, speaking to the Herald Sun, said, “I’m still not convinced with Marnus. I don’t think that was anywhere near what we know he’s capable of.” 

Warner pointed out that Labuschagne had a good opportunity to bat, with favorable conditions and a relatively poor bowling effort from the Indian side.

Warner explained, “He might have got a couple out of the middle, got a couple of freebies, batted well that night to get through but they bowled poorly. So from that perspective, he had the best conditions to come out and bat in.” 

However, Warner added that Labuschagne’s tendency to get out in a familiar manner, hitting the ball straight to gully after crossing 50, was a concern.

Aside from Labuschagne, Australia’s top-order batting has been under scrutiny. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith have struggled for runs, with Khawaja managing just 34 runs across two matches, and Smith contributing only 19 runs in three innings. Despite their poor form, Warner expressed confidence that both players would come good in the upcoming matches.

Warner said, “Steve of late, I think a lot of teams have been bowling at his pads and down leg side. So I think from that perspective they’re trying to shut his scoring down quite a bit. Uz, exactly the same. He’s had a great 12 months before. But then of late he hasn’t scored as many runs as he would have liked, but same thing, you’ve just got to go out there and still present the same attitude, the same at training, keep working hard.” 

The next Test in the Border-Gavaskar series is set to begin soon, and Australia will be hoping their key batters find form to support their bowlers in the upcoming matches.