Marnus Labuschagne (AP Photo)
Marnus Labuschagne, Australia’s top scorer, believes India faces a challenging chase due to the pitch’s inconsistent bounce. Deliveries bowled from a back-of-a-length are arriving at stump height, creating difficulties for batsmen.
Australia finished day four at 228 for 9 in their second innings, leading India by 333 runs.
Contributions from the lower order, including Pat Cummins (41), Nathan Lyon (41 batting), and Scott Boland (10 batting), significantly boosted Australia’s lead.
Labuschagne’s 70 was the highest individual score for the Australian team.
Labuschagne discussed the pitch conditions anticipated for day five.
“I think from the first innings, there was some movement, obviously. It was hard work in that first probably, especially the first 40 to 50 overs. But as the game’s gone on, the bounce has got less and more inconsistent. So we’re just getting more balls hitting the stumps. More balls are skidding through.”
He observed that while the lateral movement remains consistent, the inconsistent bounce poses a significant challenge.
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“The seam movement’s probably been the same. But just the amount of bounce is significantly lower. So that makes for pretty tricky batting there. Because more balls are hitting the stumps from a shorter length.”
Labuschagne remained tight-lipped about Australia’s declaration plans for the fifth morning.
“Glad you think that I know if we’re going to declare or not,” he chuckled.
He confirmed that day four unfolded as per Australia’s expectations.
“We obviously had the perfect outcome for us. And they probably… we looked like having a bowl tonight and putting them under pressure. But, you know, the way the wicket played and the way India bowled and came out and put us under pressure in that first 40 to 50 overs, you know, declaration wasn’t an option for us.”
Labuschagne acknowledged the resilience displayed by the lower order.
“The lower order deserves a lot of credit for how they managed that last part. I mean, I felt like we were probably ahead of the game just the whole way.”
