Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne said that he is ready to open for Australia in the absence of David Warner in the remaining white-ball Matches against India if he is asked to do so.
Warner has been ruled out of the final ODI and all 3-T20Is against India after suffering a groin injury in the second ODI. He scored 69 and 83 runs in the first and second ODI against India. Warner is hoping to recover in time so that he can be available for selection in Test Series, starting on December 17 in Adelaide.
If I Got Asked to Open The Batting, Absolutely It’s An Opportunity: Marnus Labuschagne
Labuschagne contributed well for his side in the second ODI against India. He came at number four and played a brilliant knock of 70 runs.
“He’s been a massive part of us winning this series and it is not great that we’ve lost him but like anything, it provides an opportunity for someone else to step up in the top order and make runs,” Labuschagne told reporters on Monday.
“Certainly, if I got asked to open the batting, absolutely it’s an opportunity that I would enjoy doing. But we’ll have to wait and see.”
Warner suffered an injury while fielding during the second innings of the second ODI against India. He had injured himself while making a dive to stop the ball in India’s chase. Scans later revealed that he suffered a groin strain.
Cricket Australia, on Monday also announced that the Australian pacer Pat Cummins would be unavailable for the final ODI and three T20I matches as he has given rest to prepare for the four-match test series, starting December 17 in Adelaide.
Australia coach Justin Langer said Warner and Cummins were “critical to our plans” for the tests.
“The priority for both is being fully prepared for one of the biggest and most important home test series we have played in recent years, especially with World Test Championship points up for grabs,” Langer said.
Marnus Labuschagne is ready to open the batting for Australia in the remaining white-ball matches against India in David Warner’s absence.