NEWS
Follow UsAustralia’s Marnus Labuschagne wasn't surprised by England's stunning fightback on day three of the opening Ashes Test at the Gabba but is hopeful of breaking their resilience with the second new ball on day four.
Joe Root and Co. were bundled out for just 147 on day one and conceded a lead of 278 in the first innings. In the second innings, the visiting side then lost their openers with 61 runs on the board but that’s when Dawid Malan and Root joined hands and put on an unbeaten stand of 159 for the third wicket. England are now only 58 runs behind and still have eight wickets in hand.
"It's Test cricket, you never expect any Test nation, especially when you’re playing England in the Ashes, to come in and roll over and you’re going to knock them over," Labuschagne told reporters on Friday (December 10).
"Test cricket is a grind, it’s meant to be hard, otherwise it wouldn’t mean so much to both countries. So for us, it’s just a day at the office and we make sure we come back tomorrow, review our plans, how we bowled today, and come up with some ideas and get those last eight weeks."
The second new ball will be available after 10 overs on the penultimate day and Labuschagne is hoping that Pat Cummins and Co. will once again turn the match in Australia’s favour.
"The new ball is crucial. There can be long partnerships and then all of a sudden you can lose bang-bang-bang quick wickets. If we can put that new ball in the right areas and get a couple of wickets with that new ball, it can really turn quickly."
David Warner, who scored 94 in the first innings, did not take the field on Friday having suffered severe bruising to his ribs after being struck with two nasty blows while batting on the second day. The left-handed opener was sent for X-rays on Thursday and fortunately it showed no break.
“Those two blows to the rib, that’s why he was not fielding today. I don’t really know too much about that apart from that,” said Labuschagne.