Marnus Labuschagne has shrugged off West Indies’ feedback that he struggles with quick deliveries however is working additional time to ensure Australia’s rivals are unable to search out weaknesses in his recreation this summer time and past.
Ahead of the second Test at Adelaide Oval, assistant coach Roddy Estwick mentioned West Indies would try to bamboozle Labuschagne with bouncers in a bid to neutralise his influence.
Instead, the in-form Queenslander nonetheless went on to a 3rd straight Test century, ending Thursday’s opening day unbeaten on 120 as Australia powered to 3-330.
Labuschagne had additionally posted a complete of 308 runs throughout his two innings within the first Test in Perth however the newly-reinstated primary Test batter on the planet had appeared least comfy enjoying quick deliveries.
West Indian fast Alzarri Joseph notably unsettled him in his second innings, albeit not sufficient to dismiss him or forestall back-to-back centuries.
An early damage to Test debutant Marquino Mindley thwarted West Indies’ plans to focus on Labuschagne with the quick ball in Adelaide, although, with captain Kraigg Brathwaite needing to restructure the assault and deal with spin.
Mindley went in for scans on Thursday night time and at stumps, West Indies coach Phil Simmons was not sure whether or not he would return later within the Test.
“It’s going to be pretty tricky to bowl short stuff when you’re a bowler down,” Labuschagne mentioned.
“If you cook Alzarri (Joseph) then you’re left with two bowlers and you have to bowl spin.
“So perhaps if they’d that fourth fast they might have gone to that plan just a little bit extra.”
But with one eye on upcoming Test series against South Africa, India and England, Labuschagne said he expected to be targeted by bouncers and that he would be ready.
“I’ve obtained little doubt there will be different groups which can be going to come back and they are going to attempt that,” he mentioned.
“I’m ensuring I’m doing the work behind the scenes, ensuring I’m prepared for that when it comes and the way I’m going to play it.
“It just comes down to reading the game, understanding where their fielders are, when I should ride the ball, duck, pull and understanding when I can do that depending on the fielders they have.”
