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regular-article-logo Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Marnus Labuschagne expected to ‘be on track’ after finger injury during practice

The Australia No.3 had a forgetful first Test in Birmingham, where Stuart Broad dismissed him in an almost identical manner (caught behind) in both innings

Our Bureau Calcutta Published 26.06.23, 05:30 AM
Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne File picture

Marnus Labuschagne had to be attended to by the Australian team doctor after copping a blow in his right index finger while taking throwdowns from batting coach Michael Di Venuto.

However, he did resume batting, spending nearly two hours at training ahead of the second Ashes Test at Lord's beginning on Wednesday.

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The Australia No.3 had a forgetful first Test in Birmingham, where Stuart Broad dismissed him in an almost identical manner (caught behind) in both innings. The Aussies though believe Labuschagne will soon be back to his best, considering his work ethic at nets.

"It was back being normal," Di Venuto was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. "I hadn't seen what happened in the first Test, and it certainly didn't happen the week before at The Oval.

"Whatever it was, hopefully, it was brief and he can get back to normal this week."

Asked if the frenzied atmosphere at Edgbaston added to the pressure on Labuschagne, Di Venuto said: "Potentially. Marn is the only one who could answer that.

"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 (Sunday) at training, hopefully, he is back on track."

Labuschagne's work at nets though wasn't specific to facing Broad, Di Venuto made it clear. "He's always working on his game.

"You've all seen him train before. He's meticulous in how he goes about his preparation. He's always fidgeting around with different things technically. That's pretty normal for Marn.

"He's his best coach, just like (Steve Smith). They both are their own best coaches. They are great problem solvers and that's why they have been such great players."

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