'Became greedy in searching for runs': Labuschagne opens up on lean patch ahead of Bangladesh series
Brisbane, Aug 6
Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne admitted that a desperate search for runs made him 'greedy' at the crease during his recent lean patch in Tests. At the same time, he expressed confidence that an unprecedented eight-week hiatus has allowed him to reset his technique ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
Labuschagne, 32, has failed to reach three figures in his last 22 matches for Australia since his ton during the 2023 Ashes. Despite this pressure and Australia set to begin a rigorous 12-month schedule, Labuschagne is expected to retain his number three spot in the first Test starting in Darwin next Thursday.
"Sitting here now after eight weeks, being able to go back to my fundamentals and spending hours and hours on my game and the simple things. It's something that I definitely needed, when you're on the road playing for the last seven or eight years straight.
"This is the longest break I've had. It's hard to find long-term solutions in such a short time frame when you've only got three weeks between tours and things like that," Labuschagne told reporters at the team's ongoing training camp on Thursday.
Reflecting on his prolonged slump, the former world number one Test batter admitted that anxiety over a lack of runs often compounded his problems on the field. "When you've missed out a few times, you get a little greedy and start searching for runs instead of letting the game come to you.
"There's been times where I've tried to get things in order, but I just run out of time to fully commit to those small changes and you revert back to what you've been doing. You never get off that cycle until you have a little gap, so it's been really nice to go back and find my best form and what it looks like for me.
"The preparation for the past five weeks here with Australia has been great for that and hopefully we can see the results off the back of all the hard work," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Greedy in searching for runs" — I think every batter can relate to that desperation. The Aussie schedule is relentless, playing all year round, and then they expect you to be at your peak. This break was overdue. I just hope he doesn't overthink it against Bangladesh; sometimes the more you 'fix,' the more you mess up.
Classic Marnus. Overthinking is his trademark. But let's be real — 22 Tests without a hundred is a long time for a player of his caliber. The Bangladesh series is the perfect chance to get back among the runs before India tour. Pressure is on, but he's got the technique. Just needs to let the game come to him, as he says.
Good on him for owning up. But 8 weeks is a long break — almost a luxury in modern cricket. The real test will be in Darwin against Bangladesh and then later in India where the spin and pressure are far greater. Hope he's fixed his game against the turning ball. 🤞
Respect for Marnus admitting he got greedy. In Indian cricket, too many players keep swinging the same way without reflecting. The '8-week reset' sounds great, but I'll only believe it when he crosses 100. Talent is there, no doubt. Let's see if the mental reset translates into runs. 😄
Fair point about the packed schedule — players don't get enough time to work on their game. Labuschagne is a
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