Marnus Labuschagne earned an unfortunate record during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The match took place at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Friday. Labuschagne played the slowest innings by an Australian batter in Test history.
He scored just two runs off 52 balls, with a strike rate of 3.84. This broke Steven O’Keefe’s record from 2016, where he made four runs off 98 balls at a strike rate of 4.08. Though Virat Kohli dropped him early in the slips, Labuschagne failed to take advantage. Mohammed Siraj eventually dismissed him.
Labuschagne’s Form Continues to Decline
Labuschagne’s struggles in Test cricket are worsening. In the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, he has scored only 655 runs in 25 innings. His average stands at 28.47, with just one century and five fifties. His highest score is 111.
This year, he has managed 242 runs in 11 innings at an average of 26.88. His best score is 90, with three half-centuries. Since his last Test century in July 2023, Labuschagne has scored just 349 runs in nine matches. His average during this period is a disappointing 23.26, with four fifties.
India Struggles but Takes Lead
India won the toss and chose to bat. However, they lost wickets regularly. KL Rahul scored 26 off 74 balls, showing some resistance. Later, Rishabh Pant (37 off 78 balls) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (41 off 59 balls) added a crucial 48-run partnership. India was bowled out for 150.
Australia’s bowlers performed well. Josh Hazlewood led with 4/29. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Alex Carey each took two wickets.
Australia Falters Under Pressure
In reply, Australia struggled too. Till the last reports, they were at 98/9 on Day 2. Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul left the Aussies in trouble.
Labuschagne Faces Tough Questions
Labuschagne’s poor form raises concerns for Australia. With the team under pressure, he must step up to make an impact in the series. Meanwhile, India has gained an early advantage.