Labuschagne upset after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India, but he was still disappointed he didn’t do more.
Australia ended the final Test’s first day on 274/5, with Labuschagne’s 108 the biggest contributor.
“I think, I am definitely disappointed not going on and getting a really big score, which would have put us in a better position as a team,” the 26-year-old said at the virtual post-play press-conference.
“Any Test century, it doesn’t matter who it is against or against what opposition, you want to make sure you are scoring hundreds and probably for me today it was disappointing that I did not end up making that a really big hundred.”
While the Indian attack was depleted, he credited them for their discipline and not giving away easy scoring opportunities on an evenly contested day.
“Indian bowling attacks, they are very disciplined and doesn’t matter who is bowling, they are very planned, they are very strategic and we saw that today with their bowling attack,” he continued.
“They were disciplined early and did not give us many of those scoring opportunities in the first session.
“I think when you are playing really good teams, it doesn’t matter who comes in, everyone in that line-up is very disciplined, they understand their role, you know they are very skilled bowlers.
“So, it was sort of a matter of discipline early on, especially in the first session and half, making sure you get yourself in, you get pace of the wicket. So that you can really cash in when the bowlers are little-bit tired and there are a bit cooked.
Smith unperturbed
A lot of the build-up to the match was focused on former captain Steve Smith – who made 36 – after he appeared to scuff up Rishabh Pant’s guard on the final day of the Sydney Test – but Labuschagne says his teammate isn’t too bothered by external criticism.
“That stuff doesn’t really concern him, he is focussing on the ball and scoring runs. If anything, it gives him extra motivation to put big runs on the board, so I don’t think that [outside] stuff comes into play when he is actually out there [in the middle] at all,” he concluded.
Latest
-
NewsChris Silverwood admits Jofra Archer elbow problem may need long term management
The England fast bowler was unavailable for the second and fourth Tests of the series against India due to pain in his right elbow.
-
NewsHow England’s players rated in their Test series against India
See how the England players rated during the series defeat.
-
NewsEngland storm to T20 series whitewash over New Zealand
Wicketkeeper Amy Jones completed three stumpings and Katherine Brunt took two for 19 in England’s 32-run victory.
-
NewsJoe Root promises England will learn lessons from India rout
An innings defeat in Ahmedabad rounded off a 3-1 series loss.
-
NewsIndia v England, day 3: Tourists left in a spin once again as series slips away
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel continued their outright domination of England and helped seal a 3-1 series win.
-
NewsEngland left to lick their wounds as India condemn them to another defeat
Joe Root’s men had no answers.
-
NewsMore woe for England as India’s spin twins push hosts towards series victory
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel claimed three wickets each as the tourists slumped to 91 for six at tea.
-
NewsEngland’s top order crumble once again as India take a firm grip on fourth Test
The tourists were reduced to 30 for four having conceded a first-innings lead of 160.
-
NewsIndia extends lead to 160 on third morning in Ahmedabad
While Washington Sundar was stranded on 96 not out, the hosts increased the pressure on England in the fourth Test.
-
NewsEngland accused of throwing Dom Bess ‘under the bus’
The spinner struggled on his return to the side.