Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne revealed that he has made some changes to his game to tackle R Ashwin’s spin bowling, as he is looking forward to the upcoming 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, which is set to get underway on February 9 in Nagpur.
Notably, Labuschagne was the leading run-scorer in the 2020–21 Border–Gavaskar Trophy in Australia with 426 runs at an average of 53.25.
Having been dismissed by the Indian off-spinner twice on their last meeting, the Australia batter is excited to engage in a "lovely game of chess" with Ashwin in the upcoming four-match Test series after changing his game a bit, particularly for the latter.
Marnus Labuschagne was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au: “I've changed some of my game because of what I've heard about Ashwin and how he bowled to me. I've adapted my game to try and foil a few of his ideas and ways he goes about it. It's going to be a lovely game of chess and I can't wait for it.”
Read Also: “I have always considered myself as 100 percent keeper and 100 percent batter”- KS Bharat
The 28-year-old further revealed that he had started his preparation for the India tour right after their last series in 2020-21.
Labuschagne said, “The preparation started so far back. People think, right now it's Big Bash then you start thinking - but the thinking happens way ahead. You start processing everything in your mind, you go through every scenario of what bowler you are going to come across.”
He added, “I've already thought about my plans, so now it's just about executing. Finding out, 'That works, that doesn't work. How can that part of my game fit in?', and just piece the puzzle together.”
Labuschagne said that he is really excited for the upcoming 10 Test matches: 4 against India, 1 WTC 2023 Final (almost qualified), and then 5 Ashes Tests in England.
The Aussie said, “I can't wait, so excited for the next 10 Test matches.”
He signed off by saying, “We've played really well, people know we are very good at home, very tough to beat...but the challenge we have going two away series in a row, that's going to be awesome. I can't wait for the challenge against spin in India and can't wait for the challenge of Bazball versus Ronball.”
(With PTI Inputs)
