“If you're not scoring runs, you're going to be under the spotlight” - Justin Langer on Marnus Labuschagne

Former Australian head coach and analyst Justin Langer has stated that under-performing Marnus Labuschagne has ben under the spotlight for not scoring runs of late. Notably, Labuschagne is averaging only 31 since 2021 in the longest format of the game.

Advertisment

It’s important to note that Labuschagne opened the innings along with Usman Khawaja in the recently concluded WTC 2025 Final against South Africa. However, he managed to score only 17 and 22 runs in both innings.

"Marnus is a 50-Test player. He's been the best player in the world. He still averages (46.19). All players go through it. If you're not scoring runs, you're going to be under the spotlight. But all of a sudden David Warner leaves. And then Usman Khawaja leaves. And then Steve Smith. If Marnus isn't playing well, you've got a huge gap there because Travis Head bats down the order," said Langer.

"So he's actually a very, very important link in this chain here. If I was the Australian team, I'd be focusing – and I'm sure they are – all their attention on getting Marnus to come good in however that is," he added.

Advertisment

Furthermore, Langer asserted that the youngsters making their debut in the Australian national team surround themselves with absolute guns and veteran players, which enhances their overall experience. 

"You think about the history of Australian cricket. The best young players come in surrounded by absolute guns. Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, and Matthew Hayden. They come in and they're around gun players," Langer said.

Moreover, Langer also reckoned that he has concerns of having young players like Cameron Green and Sam Konstas in the XI. He added that it will not be a wise option to pick out-of-form youngsters for important series like the Ashes.

Advertisment

"If you just all of a sudden bring a couple of kids in, Cameron Green's still young to the game. And you have to bring another kid in there (to replace Labuschagne). Sam Konstas, he played a few Tests, right? I think he's only got two first-class hundreds at the moment. And they were both in the same game," Langer observed.

"I say this with absolute respect, but these new guys coming in, they're not averaging 50 (in first-class cricket). These other guys coming through, you've got to be smacking the door down. You can't just bring them in an Ashes series," he concluded.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!