‘Labuschagne wants to show he’s confident defending the ball but he is actually under pressure’: Mohammed Siraj | Cricket News
Recalling his fiery contest with Marnus Labuschagne, India seamer Mohammed Siraj has said the Australia No. 3 is not as confident a batter as he may appear to be at the crease.
The 30-year-old Hyderabad pacer may have some evidence to back his claim after Labuschagne’s torrid struggle in the first innings of last week’s Perth Test had him score at a sluggish rate no Aussie batter has ever played with before.
After India were bowled out for 150 in the first innings, the visitors bounced back with captain and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul denting the Australians. Labuschagne put on a stoic rearguard as he faced the Bumrah barrage before he was trapped leg-before for 2 off his 52nd delivery. His staggering 3.84 strike-rate made it the slowest knock ever an Australia top-order batter in Test hory (min. 50 balls faced).
He’s such a waffler, I love him. Talks too freeely 🤣 pic.twitter.com/FpSUtVJ0LS
— Prashanth S (@ps_it_is) November 26, 2024
The wicket helped Siraj reclaim his rhythm after a poor home series recently against New Zealand. Siraj went onto take four more wickets in the match as India etched a spectacular comeback win 295 runs – their biggest win margin Down Under.
Reflecting on his duels with Labuschagne, Siraj said the Australian batter was only trying to put on a confidence face while he was under pressure.
Hot contest! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/p3jAXYSpUc
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 24, 2024
“I loved bowling to Marnus, enjoyed the battle because he plays under a lot of pressure. He tries to leave a lot of deliveries rather than trying to play at them. He defends and tries to show that he is confident. That is not really confidence. And my confidence is always high (laughs),” Siraj light-heartedly told broadcaster Jatin Sapru in the presence of former India coach Ravi Shastri and Pakan legend Wasim Akram.
In 12 Test innings, Siraj has dismissed Labuschagne thrice, averaging 41.66 per dismissal.
