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Key Points

Justin Langer has urged Australia to keep faith in Marnus Labuschagne despite his recent struggles. The former coach believes Labuschagne's experience is crucial for mentoring younger players as Australia's golden generation retires. Langer pointed out that potential replacements aren't yet performing at first-class level to justify selection. He emphasized that Labuschagne's presence provides stability during this transitional phase for Australian cricket.

Key Points: Justin Langer Backs Labuschagne for Australia Test Future

  • Langer highlights Labuschagne's role in bridging Australia's batting transition
  • Warns against dropping experienced players too soon
  • Points to Labuschagne's career average of 46.19
  • Stresses need for young batters to learn from established stars
2 min read

Langer wants Labuschagne to be in Test team for the sake of future Australian batters

Langer urges Australia to retain Labuschagne, citing his experience and role in mentoring future Test batters amid transition phase.

"Marnus is a 50-Test player. He's been the best player in the world. – Justin Langer"

New Delhi, June 16

Former opener and head coach Justin Langer has advised Australia to retain Marnus Labuschagne in their top-order, saying that omitting him from the side would hinder the development of future Test team batters.

Labuschagne's spot has become doubtful after Australia suffered a five-wicket defeat to South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship final. Labuschagne was moved up to open against South Africa, but scores of 17 and 22 meant he ended the two-year cycle with an average of 27.82.

"Marnus is a 50-Test player. He's been the best player in the world. He still averages (46.19). All players go through it. If you're not scoring runs, you're going to be under the spotlight. But all of a sudden David Warner leaves. And then Usman Khawaja leaves. And then Steve Smith.

"If Marnus isn't playing well, you've got a huge gap there because Travis Head bats down the order. So he's actually a very, very important link in this chain here. If I was the Australian team, I'd be focusing – and I'm sure they are – all their attention on getting Marnus to come good in however that is," said Langer to reporters, on the sidelines of seeing teams prepare for State of Origin rugby league series in Perth.

After the WTC final loss, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald insisted that Labuschagne was still in their plans for the future, though he did mention at what point they stop picking the right-handed batter.

"You think about the history of Australian cricket. The best young players come in surrounded by absolute guns. Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn and Matthew Hayden. They come in and they're around gun players. If you just all of a sudden bring a couple of kids in, Cameron Green's still young to the game.

"And you have to bring another kid in there (to replace Labuschagne). Sam Konstas, he played a few Tests, right? I think he's only got two first-class hundreds at the moment. And they were both in the same game.

"I say this with absolute respect, but these new guys coming in, they're not averaging 50 (in first-class cricket). These other guys coming through, you've got to be smacking the door down. You can't just bring them in an Ashes series," concluded Langer.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments on the cricket article:
R
Rahul K.
Langer makes valid points but I feel Australia should give chances to new talent too. Look at how Gill and Iyer grabbed their opportunities for India! Labuschagne's recent form is worrying - 27 average in 2 years is not Test standard. Maybe he needs county cricket to regain form.
P
Priya M.
As an Indian cricket fan, I've always admired Labuschagne's technique and concentration. His battles with Ashwin and Jadeja were epic! 😊 Langer is right - experience matters in Test cricket. Hope he regains form before the next Border-Gavaskar series!
A
Arjun S.
Interesting debate! In India we drop even big names when they underperform (remember Rahane's phase?). But I agree young players need experienced mentors. Maybe Australia can keep Labuschagne while blooding new talent at No. 5? Balance is key.
S
Sunita R.
Cricket needs more long-term thinking like this! In our IPL culture, we focus too much on instant results. Langer's vision for developing future players is commendable. Though as an Indian, I won't mind if Australia's batting weakens a bit 😉
V
Vikram J.
Langer's comments show why he was such a good coach. But I disagree slightly - in Test cricket, current form matters more than past records. Maybe rest Labuschagne for domestic cricket like BCCI does with out-of-form players? His technique seems to have developed some flaws.

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