Star Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has recently said that he told the selectors he was the right player to bat at No.4 in the 2023 World Cup before Ashton Agar’s injury gave him the chance to be in the squad. Labuschagne shared the need to make some technical and mental shifts to prove to the selectors that he can succeed in one-day cricket as well. And, he has been in sublime form in recent times.
Speaking on The Unplayable Podcast, Labuschagne said: “I couldn’t have predicted how it all unfolded and how it happened, but I was very confident. I did tell selectors when I wasn’t included: ‘I really feel like I’m the guy for you to bat at No.4. I know I’m not there, I know I haven’t performed like I wanted to but I know I’m the person for the job at that spot'”.
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He further added, “And then from there I worked hard at home on my one-day game on a few things I wanted to change – a few technical things and just a few mental shifts as well. I was feeling very confident. So it was just about if the opportunity was going to arise (but) I felt very confident that I would take it if it did come.”
With Australia’s middle order looking shaky leading into the showpiece event, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith will have to play critical roles as well. He, however, also believes showing intent and staying calm in his gameplay is his positive point. Australia will open their World Cup campaign against the hosts India on October 8 in Chennai.
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“Over the last eight games … it was more about making sure I’m showing intent, that I’m really reading the game and I’m staying calm. What I’ve done really well (from South Africa onwards) is I haven’t got caught up in what might happen or what’s going to happen. It’s just a matter of I’m ready if that’s where I am (batting at No.4) come that first game against India,” Marnus Labuschagne concluded.
