Former Aussie Test coach Justin Langer delivers blunt advice for under-siege batter Marnus Labuschagne
- Queenslander is in the midst of a form slump
- Was in shocking form in opening Test in Perth
- Former coach believes he has the key to turning it around
Nobody comes into the second match against India under more pressure than Marnus Labuschagne, but one of Australia's greatest ever opening batsmen believes he has the solution to end his form slump.
Labuschagne enters the second Test against India starting on Friday in Adelaide in the midst of his leanest lengthy patch at the crease.
His failures in Australia's 295-run loss to India in the series opener - scores of two from 52 balls and three from five deliveries - heightened concern about his form.
Labuschagne's average now sits at 48.45 as he struggles this calendar year - from 12 Test innings, he's averaging 24.50, without a century.
The right-hander will be under intense scrutiny in the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, a venue where he has achieved great success - he's scored three tons and a half-century and averages 71.75 at the ground.
It has led to widespread criticism and even staggering calls from a pocket of supporters for the Queensland batsmen to be dropped to Sheffield Shield to find form.
Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne is currently in the worst form slump of his career
Labuschagne battled for 52 deliveries before being out for two runs in the first innings against India in Perth, before losing his wicket for just three runs in the second innings
Former Australian Test coach and opening batsman Justin Langer has called on Marnus to be more aggressive in the second Test in Adelaide
But former Australian Test coach Justin Langer, who pilfered 7696 runs at an average of 45.27 across 105 matches as an opening batsman, believes aggression is the key to unlocking Labuschagne once more.
'Presently, the heat is on Marnus Labuschagne, and to a lesser extent Steve Smith,' Langer wrote in his column for News Corp.
'But let's clarify one thing: this Australian cricket team needs them both to fire on all cylinders.
'Asked today what my advice to Marnus would be, I said, 'Trust your mercurial cover drive and that audacious whip through mid-wicket.
'When the ball is short, trust your instincts. Get your feet dancing, play with a sound mind, and the freedom we saw when you first entered the Test arena.
'Finally, remind yourself that you are a Test match star who needs to prove nothing to anyone because you have done it so many times before.'
It will require a huge turnaround from Labuschagne, who battled for 52 deliveries for his two runs in the first innings in Perth.
'This mindset will take courage, especially when you have been a bit lean of late, but that's his best way forward,' Langer assured.
Labuschagne could be called on as a bowling option as well, with allrounder Mitch Marsh (back) not certain to be able to bowl
'I am sure Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald will be getting around him, as will his teammates, because they know, as I know, that Australian cricket needs not only his runs but also his extraordinary energy on the field and his infectious personality.
'There aren't many like him, and that's why he has been so good for this team for the past 51 Tests, at a time when the Australian team has been the best in the world.'
Heaping even more pressure on Labuschagne is the fact he may be turned to as a bowling option as well.
Despite copping heavy criticism for his gentle medium pace bowling in Perth, the Queenslander looms as the fourth seam bowling option for the Aussies in Adelaide with all-rounder Mitch Marsh [back] unlikely to bowl.
If India bat long periods in Adelaide, as they did in the first Test, then Australia might need to turn to Labuschagne again.
The former No.1-ranked Test batter bowled significant periods in the nets during the week.
'I'd say probably more likely turn to the fast bowlers a bit more,' skipper Pat Cummins said.
'In Perth, 'Joshy' (Hazlewood) was getting a little bit sore as well towards the end, so there's a bit of preservation there.
'Whereas this Test, everyone's fit and firing, and if that remains the case, as a general rule you try to rely on your four main guys.'
