BGT 2024-25: Mitchell Johnson Urges Australia To Drop Marnus Labuschagne For Adelaide Test

Marnus Labuschagne has been struggling with his batting. He scored just five runs in the Perth test against India. His form has been poor for a while. Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson believes it’s time for Australia to drop Labuschagne from the Adelaide test in the BGT 2024-25 series.

Labuschagne was once the top-ranked Test batsman in the world. But his recent performances have been disappointing. In his last five test matches, he has only averaged 13.66. Out of 10 innings, he has managed just one fifty and only one double-digit score. This poor form has raised concerns ahead of the upcoming Adelaide test.

In Perth, Labuschagne seemed out of his depth against the Indian bowlers. He struggled to survive against their fast, swinging deliveries. In his first innings, he only scored two runs off 52 balls. In the second innings, he was dismissed for three runs after he failed to play a ball from Jasprit Bumrah.

While Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins have supported Labuschagne, there is pressure to make changes. Many believe the batsman should be dropped from the team for the next match.

Labuschagne Should Play in Sheffield Shield, Says Johnson

Mitchell Johnson has a suggestion. He thinks Labuschagne should play in the Sheffield Shield, which is domestic cricket in Australia. Johnson believes this would help Labuschagne regain his form and confidence. He feels that playing away from the pressure of international cricket could do him good.

In his column for ‘Nightly,’ Johnson wrote, “Marnus Labuschagne – after a lengthy poor run with the bat – should be replaced for the second Test in Adelaide. And that’s not for the sake of having someone pay the price for the thrashing in Perth.”

Johnson also explained that Labuschagne could benefit from some time away from international cricket. “It would give him a chance to play some Sheffield Shield and club cricket away from the pressure of playing for your country,” he added.

Labuschagne’s Future in Test Cricket

Mitchell Johnson does not believe dropping Labuschagne would mean the end of his Test career. He thinks Labuschagne can still have a long future with the Australian team. The break could give him time to improve his game.

Johnson said, “Dropping Labuschagne would not mean he doesn’t still have a long future in the Test team or that he’s the wrong player to bat at three.” He believes Labuschagne’s form slump is temporary and that he can return stronger.

Conclusion: Should Labuschagne Be Dropped for the BGT 2024-25?

With the BGT 2024-25 series in full swing, the question remains whether Marnus Labuschagne will be dropped for the Adelaide Test. While his recent form has been poor, dropping him might help him get back on track. Time in Sheffield Shield could be the break he needs to rediscover his best form.