Adelaide, Dec 16 : Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne said the last passage of play on day one of the second Ashes Test really “tested” the batters.
He added that for him, the last stage tested his patience very well.Labuschagne toiled hard to remain unbeaten at 95 off 275 balls as Australia reached 221/2 at stumps in the Adelaide Oval.
“That was massive just getting through that period, me and Steve (Smith).I think the last passage of play really tested us and set us up for tomorrow to make sure we get a big first innings score.Probably the last stage was interesting and tested my patience,” said Labuschagne to broadcasters after the day’s play.
Labuschagne had luck twice on his side as wicketkeeper Jos Buttler dropped his catch twice on 21 and 95.He asserted England won’t be getting any chance to get him out on day two.”Probably the last bit I wavered there with that shot and got dropped.A few prayers.I don’t know how that happened.Buttler dropping that was unbelievable.
It was a bit of disbelief but my job is to make sure I capitalise on that now.I gave them a chance there and a chance on about 60 down leg.I’ve got to make sure tomorrow – no chances.”The 27-year-old felt sad for opener David Warner falling five short of a century for second successive time after getting past a slow start and probing period.Warner and Labuschagne had shared a stand of 172 runs, which was important for Australia to be in a strong position on day one.”Davey batted beautifully and was good going about his innings.He was patient.I think he went 20 balls without scoring and then gave glimpses of the attacking David Warner we know.I feel bad for him missing out today, getting 95, but he’ll take that.”During his unbeaten stay at the crease, Labuschagne was heard saying words like ‘Well played Marnus, clever’ and ‘no run’ on the stump mic.Talking about that, the right-hander remarked, “The self-talk is potentially both, getting in the bowler’s head.But mainly self-talk, so it’s two birds with one stone.”nr/cs
The Ashes, 2nd Test: I think the last passage of play really tested us, says Labuschagne
Steve Smith and I both felt that it was a huge feat just to get through the period.The last section of play was a real test for us.It set us up to score big tomorrow.Labuschagne said that the final stage of play was most interesting.It also tested my patience.” Labuschagne told broadcasters following the day’s performance.Labuschagne was fortunate to have luck on both sides as Jos Buttler, wicketkeeper dropped Labuschagne’s catch on 21 and 95.England will not be able to catch him on the second day, he said.He said, “Probably the last thing I wavered there with this shot and was dropped.A few prayers.It’s amazing.It was amazing to see Buttler do that.
Although it was difficult to believe, my task is now to ensure that I make the most of this opportunity.They had a shot there, and another chance with 60 down legs.Tomorrow is my last chance.
After a slow start, the 27-year old felt sorry for opener David Warner who fell five runs short of making it to 100 for the second consecutive time.
Labuschagne and Warner had shared a total of 172 runs.This was crucial for Australia’s position in the first day.Davey was a great batsman and was very efficient in his innings.He was kind and patient.He played 20 balls, but didn’t score.Then he showed glimpses of attacking David Warner that we all know.He’ll accept that, even though it hurts.
Labuschagne could be heard speaking words such as ‘Well-played Marnus’, ‘intelligent’, and ‘no runs’ at the stump mic during his undefeated stay at the crease.The right-hander said that self-talk could be both positive and negative, even if it’s causing trouble for the bowler.It’s mainly self-talk so you can kill two birds with one.
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