Need to learn from Pujara’s patience, says Australia No.3 Labuschagne

SYDNEY: Despatched to the fence by Cheteshwar Pujara thrice in his first over of the day, Marnus Labuschagne found the going tough on the Sydney Cricket Ground wicket, returning with figures of 0/25 off his four overs. The Australia batsman and parttime leg-spinner, however, says he has picked a few lessons from the India batsman.

Labuschagne will bat at No. 3 like Pujara as Australia hope to win this Test and level the series.“his time, patience around the crease and just the way he batted was very good. I think it’s something I personally can take a lot from,” Labuschagne was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “He just batted a lot of time and I think that’s something he’s done through this whole series. That’s what we’re going to need to do and all our batters are going to need to step up and put a big score on the board.”

While it’ll be a tough ask to bat against an Indian pace attack that has its tail up, the 24-year-old Labuschagne feels he will draw from his experience of batting at No. 3 for Queensland Bulls in Sheffield Shield.

“I’ve pretty much batted most of my time at Queensland at three. It does give me confidence going out in a position that I’m comfortable with. It’s going to be a good challenge and one I’m looking forward to,” he added.

Labuschagne feels the hosts are still in with a chance provided they bat well in the first innings.

“We are only 2-3 wickets away from being able to break it open and if the boys put the right ball in the areas tomorrow, I am confident that we can get early breakthroughs and get them out for under 400. The wicket stays good for three days and deteriorates quite fast. Then the game moves quickly at the back end and it’s going to be the same again, so the first innings will be key for us,” he said.