Labuschagne elevation tactical, says Cummins ahead of Test clash with SAfrica

United News of India

a day ago

London, June 10 (UNI) Marnus Labuschagne's elevation to opener has become the focal point of Australia's reshuffled batting order, with captain Pat Cummins backing the move as both tactical and timely ahead of their Test clash with South Africa.
'We love when they're busy and they're putting pressure back on the bowlers and that's our message here to Marnus,' Cummins said on the eve of the match. 'Opening the batting can be tough, but it can also be sometimes the best time to bat here before the Dukes ball actually starts swinging. There's runs to be scored there, so just keeping that positive intent I think is when he's batting his best.'
Labuschagne's move comes alongside a promotion for Cameron Green to the crucial No. 3 slot, following a strong return to form.
'Cam Green, the last few weeks he's had, coming back in great form – we thought he deserved a spot in the batting line-up,' Cummins explained. 'We thought three probably suits him best. And then, with Marnus moving, we thought it's one spot up really. It's not too different to batting three. He's done well here in England in the past.'
Cummins also praised the selectors for standing by players who have delivered in key moments, particularly in reference to Green's past performances.
'I think our selectors are probably showing that they're happy to give someone an extra little run rather than pull the pin too early,' he said. 'He's played some crucial knocks in getting us here. Look back at the MCG (against India], his batting was right up there as a difference in that match. I think it's part rewarding those guys who have got us here.'
With conditions in England markedly different from home, Cummins noted the growing challenge for top-order batters worldwide.
'I do believe the wickets in Australia have been as hard as they've ever been, probably, in Test cricket for the top order. But I think it's similar conversations to Davey Warner over here. I think it's more about the style and how they go about it.'
He also acknowledged the uncertainties posed by South Africa's relatively unfamiliar bowling line-up, aside from established threats.
'There's a few more unknowns going into the Test match, which is exciting,' Cummins said. 'We're going to have to problem-solve on our feet a bit more. Rabada and (Keshav) Maharaj have been around for a fair while now and been successful. They're an obvious threat, but some of those younger or newer guys in the team that we haven't seen before – we're going to have to be pretty sharp on.'
South African skipper Temba Bavuma, for his part, believes the English conditions may play into their hands.
'I think there is an opportunity there,' Bavuma said. 'I think the conditions as well, I believe, bring us into the game a lot. With the swinging ball, it's very different to Australian conditions. Different to South African conditions as well. So that definitely gives us an opportunity.'
Bavuma agreed that both teams possess potent bowling units, but said the contest could be decided by the effectiveness of their batting.
'I think both teams have formidable bowling attacks. I think the real opportunity is within the two batting lineups and how they are able to kind of front up and give their bowlers a score to bowl at.'
As Australia eye another big-stage performance, Cummins said his players are embracing the moment, not fearing it.
'With some success you just want to experience more of it and that means when the going gets tough or the pressure is on, you embrace that,' he said. 'You take it on. You want to be the match winner. Hopefully you don't get overwhelmed by big moments.'
'That's been most of the conversation this week,' Cummins added. 'The guys just have excitement. They want to get out there. They want to play well. They want to win. There's no fear of failure or if it doesn't pan out.'
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