Australia‘s Marnus Labuschagne is uncertain about David Warner‘s recent assertion that he wants to come out of retirement for the Test series against India. Labuschagne noted it can be difficult to discern when Warner is joking versus being serious.
On Tuesday, October 22, Warner made headlines by expressing his desire to reverse his retirement for the India series. He emphasized wanting to play a Sheffield Shield match to prepare and insisted he was “dead serious” about his comeback.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Labuschagne shared his thoughts on the matter, as reported by Perth Now.
“I don’t know if he was serious or whether he was joking. It is always hard to tell. I don’t know what to make of that.”
Warner’s most recent Test was earlier this year against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). He has struggled against India in Tests, averaging 31.23 in 21 matches, with a total of 1,218 runs and a highest score of 180.
“Easy Solution” – Marnus Labuschagne on Steven Smith Returning to No. 4 in Tests
After Steven Smith mentioned that Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja preferred not to have him open the innings, Labuschagne agreed that it makes sense for the former Australian captain to bat at No. 4. He highlighted Smith’s game sense and adaptability as key strengths, stating:
“One of the best players for Australia batting in the position he has had the most success in is a pretty simple fix. Cameron Green is unavailable for the summer. There is no one batting at No. 4 as we currently stand in our team. Why not have the person who has done it best for Australia batting in that position?”
“It just makes sense. People want to know if there is something more (to it), but that is the reality. I think it is his ability to read match scenarios and adapt his game to whatever the game needs.”
The five-Test series between Australia and India kicks off on November 22 in Perth.
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