Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has made a bold recommendation for the upcoming second Test against India at the Adelaide Oval, starting on December 6. Johnson suggested that Marnus Labuschagne, currently struggling with poor form, should be dropped from the playing XI. Labuschagne, the World No. 1 Test batter, started the year strong with two half-centuries against Pakistan but has since faced a steep decline.
In his last 10 Test innings, he has managed only one half-century. His performance in the first Test against India in Perth was particularly underwhelming, with scores of 2 (52) and 3 (5), both dismissals coming via LBW. Mitchell Johnson, in his column for Nightly, argued that a break from international cricket could be beneficial for Labuschagne. He suggested the batter spend time in domestic cricket, such as the Sheffield Shield and club matches, where the pressure is less intense.
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“Marnus Labuschagne, after a lengthy poor run with the bat, should be replaced for the second Test in Adelaide. This isn’t about punishment but about giving him a chance to rebuild his confidence and form away from the spotlight,” Mitchell Johnson wrote.
While calling for his exclusion, Mitchell Johnson emphasized that it wouldn’t signify the end of Labuschagne’s Test career. “Dropping Labuschagne would not mean he doesn’t still have a long future in the Test team or that he’s the wrong player to bat at three. It’s about helping him return stronger, by making big runs in domestic cricket,” he noted.
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Mitchell Johnson also voiced concerns over Steve Smith’s dip in form, noting that the former captain seems to have lost his usual sharpness. “Steve Smith’s form is a serious concern. He’s missing deliveries on his pads that used to be easy runs for him,” Johnson observed.
The second Test presents a pivotal moment for Australia as they aim to bounce back from their crushing loss in Perth. Whether Labuschagne retains his spot will likely be a key talking point ahead of the match.
