Why a Test axing might do out-of-form Labuschagne a favour

SEN Cricket’s Tom Morris believes Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne must be dropped from the Test line-up.

Morris’ call comes after the No. 3 made just 3 in the second innings against India in Perth, following his score of 2 from 52 balls in the first dig.

In his last 10 knocks, he has scores of 10, 1 not out, 3, 5, 1, 2, 90, 6, 2 and 3 for an average of 13.66 across that period.

Morris also thinks that axing Labuschagne could end up being a good thing for the batsman himself as he thinks it’ll allow the Queenslander to return to Shield cricket to work on his technical woes and earn his place again as a Test star.

“I'm firmly in the camp that you're actually doing Marnus a favour if you leave him out because I don't think it's good for him to try to work out these issues at Test level,” Morris told SEN The New Ball.

“Go and play a Shield game. He's 30, so he's young enough to get back in and you take him to Sri Lanka.

“Every great batter in Australian history has been dropped at some stage, this might be Marnus’ go and then he can have a long career when he gets back in, and I think he would get back in.

“But he looks so devoid of any confidence and understanding about how to make runs. I actually don't think it's doing him any favours to keep throwing him to the wolves.

“Now, you might argue this, and it’s a fair point if you said, ‘Well, who is banging the door down, who is averaging 70 at Shield level?’.

“I don’t think that matters at the moment. I think you make the change, and you back the new guy to come in and do better, and if he doesn't do any better, at least Marnus gets to go play a Shield game and the new guy gets to come in and learn the ropes as well.”

While Morris is of the belief that Australia should make a change at No. 3, he understands why some are calling for him to earn another opportunity.

“Marnus is a different character,” Morris said.

“He's a good fielder, he does offer something with the ball, his intensity and his fitness has never been in question.

“So, I can also understand the other viewpoint.”

The second Test between Australia and India begins on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. Listen to every ball LIVE on the SEN app.