AUS vs IND: Mike Hussey backs ‘defensive’ Marnus Labuschagne to overcome form slump

Former Australia batter Michael Hussey has thrown his support behind under-fire batsman Marnus Labuschagne, attributing his recent slump in form to mental adjustments rather than technical flaws. Labuschagne, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier batsmen, has endured a torrid run of form, managing only 123 runs at a paltry average of 13.66 across his last 10 Test innings. His struggles were on full display during the first Test against India in Perth, where he registered scores of just 2 and 3 as Australia succumbed to a crushing 295-run defeat.

Critics have questioned Labuschagne’s technique, but Hussey believes the root of the problem lies in his approach to the game. “I actually went back and had a look at some of his highlights of some of his great innings from a few years back. It was just to see if I could see anything different than what we’ve been seeing in the last week or so,” Hussey told SEN.

Hussey suggested Labuschagne’s attempts to shoulder greater responsibility as a senior player may have led to an overly cautious mindset. “From a technical perspective, there’s actually not a lot of difference from when he was playing really well in scoring a lot of runs compared to the last Test match against India. The biggest difference I’ve noticed is just his intent to score. He’s probably looking at it thinking, ‘I’m a senior player now, I’ve got to take responsibility, I’ve got to bat time, be there for the team, soak up the pressure and all of that’.

“That gets you into a tentative defensive frame of mind – of batting time, being there and being patient. Whereas when I watched some of those highlights from a few years back, he was just confident and decisive in everything he did, even in defence and when he was letting the ball go he was getting into really strong positions.”

The 29-year-old Labuschagne took a proactive step to address his form on Thursday, returning to the basics with an intense nets session alongside a close friend. Hussey is optimistic that a mental shift can help Labuschagne rediscover his touch.

“I feel as though it’s something that can be fixed really quickly just with a mindset shift,” Hussey said.

“If he can just change that mindset of just looking to occupy the crease … into, ‘Whatever I do, I’m going to do it confidently, decisively and be a little bit more positive with an intent to score’. I feel like he can turn it around really quickly.”

Australia will hope Labuschagne regains his form ahead of the second Test against India, starting December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. A strong performance from their No.3 will be crucial as the hosts aim to level the series.

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