Ashes 2023: Marnus Labuschagne is the major concern for Australia in Manchester, says Nasser Hussain

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain feels Marnus Labuschagne is the major concern for Australia in the fourth Test match at Manchester. The right-hander has got off to numerous starts in the ongoing Ashes series but he has failed to convert them in the tough English conditions.

Marnus Labuschagne returned with scores of 21 and 33 in the third Test match at Leeds, Headingley which Australia lost by three wickets. Labuschagne has scored 144 runs in three Test matches so far at an average of 24. In fact, he has failed to go past the 50-run mark even on one occasion against the hosts.

Labuschagne has been troubled by Stuart Broad and he hasn’t looked settle at the crease.

“People talk about the fact that England has limited Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to one score above 50. But, for me, Labuschagne is the major concern for Australia, because Smith has made two hundreds in his last four games, starting with the World Test Championship final against India at the Oval,” wrote Hussain for Daily Mail.

Hussain added that Labuschagne has been getting off to promising starts but he has been getting dismissed in a soft manner.

“Labuschagne is still scratching around for his rhythm. He’s changed guard from off stump to middle, then back to off, and he keeps playing himself in, then getting out to soft dismissals. The busiest man in Manchester will be Australia’s batting coach Michael Di Venuto, giving him all those throwdowns,” Hussain added.

The former England skipper added it will be crucial for the home team to get the early wicket of David Warner, who has all the experience of helping Australia get off to a quick start. Warner has been once again troubled by Stuart Broad in the ongoing series.

“It will help England’s task if they keep getting David Warner early. And Warner, for all his struggles against Stuart Broad, remains the kind of player who will go at you. He is still capable of getting Australia off to a flyer. If he succeeds, Labuschagne’s chances improve,” Hussain added.

The fourth Ashes Test will be played at Old Trafford from 19th July onwards.