‘Welcome to my first 35 Tests mate’: Mitchell Marsh’s message to out-of-form Marnus Labuschagne | Cricket News

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has a simple message to his out-of-form Marnus Labuschagne.
In the last six innings, Marnus has managed only 22 runs and has managed to cross the double digit only once. His career Test average has dropped below 50, having been above 60 in December 2022.
“I said to him, ‘Welcome to my first 35 Tests mate, that was me’,” Marsh said on SEN WA Breakfast.
“No, look, he’s been an incredible player for us, and he will be for a long time to come.
“I think the good thing about our team is that we’ve always found a way to keep winning.
“You know, guys’ form goes up and down, but he’s an incredible player.
“He’s an integral part of our team and there’s no doubt he’ll be in the runs soon.”
Australia captain Pat Cummins has defended the struggling No 3 after their 172-run win over their trans-Tasman rivals.
“Absolutely not,” Cummins said.
“I think he’d be the first to admit he’d like to score some more runs. And it’s not through lack of trying in the nets.
“I think particularly that second innings was just one of those ones down leg. We’re very clear that these six guys are the six best batters in Australia and although at times they might not have clicked altogether at once the story of our team has been someone’s being able to stand up when they need to.”
The second Test match between New Zealand and Australia will be played at Chrchurch from Friday.