Australia: Aaron Finch backs Marnus Labuschagne as white-ball allrounder

Australia
Australia

Australia Captain Aaron Finch has hailed the impact of Marnus Labuschagne on the white-ball squad.

Finch believes that he is good for morale and also handy with bat and ball.

The skipper feels that Labuschagne can be a valuable bowler in Pakistani conditions.

“Marnus is someone who brings a lot to the team, particularly in these conditions with his leg breaks, and his batting speaks for itself,” Finch said.

“He’s a wonderful player and continues to get better in ODI cricket and T20 cricket in particular.

“The fact he’s bowling more and more is impressive.

“I don’t know if anyone has seen the footage of our training yesterday, but Marnus bowled a lot and carried on like an idiot every time he got a wicket, which was quite good fun.

“He’s someone who is so dynamic around the group, brilliant in the group.

“Just the whole package he brings is outstanding, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him play in these conditions again.”

Australia hit by Mitch Marsh setback

Australia’s depleted stocks have taken a further hit ahead of the ODI series against Pakistan though after T20 World Cup hero Mitch Marsh was struck down by a hip flexor injury.

Marsh suffered the setback during a training drill and he has been sent for scans.

Finch expects Marsh to miss the entire three-match ODI series, with Cam Green to fill the void.

Marsh’s injury comes at a bad time, given that stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and David Warner are all being rested from the white-ball component of the Pakistan tour.

Steve Smith was ruled out at the weekend due to an elbow injury, while Glenn Maxwell is another big name that is missing.

“I don’t think he’ll be available for this series based on how he was feeling yesterday,” Finch said of Marsh.

“He sustained that yesterday in a fielding drill. It was a high intensity, lateral movement drill.

“He bent down to pick it up one-handed and went to throw and felt a twinge in his hip flexor.”

Backing Cameron Green to succeed

Marsh has been one of Australia’s best white-ball players in recent times, but his absence has opened the door for Green to showcase his talent.

Green is flourishing on the Test arena, but his one and only ODI appearance came in December, 2020 when he scored 21 off 27 balls and took 0-27 off four overs in a 13-run loss to India.

“He will probably bat in that middle-order,” Finch said of the 22-year-old.

“We’re seeing that he’s a super talented cricketer. He’s someone who has been quite consistent in his Test career so far.

“His impact with the bat and ball can’t be underestimated. I’m really excited for Cam to get that opportunity.”

Ben McDermott, who has just two ODIs to his name, could be given another crack at the top of the order in the absence of Warner.

Aaron Finch Marnus Labuschagne

Latest