India vs Australia : “I would enjoy it if I got asked to open, ” – Marnus Labuschagne ready to step up in David Warner’s absence


India vs Australia : “I would enjoy it if I got asked to open, ” – Marnus Labuschagne ready to step up in David Warner’s absence

Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne

Australia sealed the ODI series against India with a comprehensive 51 run win in the second encounter. But bad news followed as opener David Warner was ruled out of the white ball series following a groin strain. Warner set up the series win as he hammered scores of 69 and 83 in the first two ODIs.

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The explosive opener limped off the field during the fourth over of the second innings. And scans later revealed that he suffered a groin strain. Warner’s absence atop the order might be a big blow for the Aussie. It is his flamboyant hitting which gave skipper Aaron Finch the time he needed to build his innings. But with Warner missing, the Aussie batting lineup might become vulnerable.

It provides an opportunity for others to step up

David Warner injury
David Warner in discomfort during second ODI

Weighing in on the matter, Marnus Labuschagne feels that Warner’s absence is an opportunity for someone else to shine. Labuschagne adds that he is up for opening the innings alongside Finch if the team needs. The Queenslander has been in tremendous form lately as he scored 70 off 61 balls batting at four as the Kangaroos sealed the series last night. Labuschagne being a top-order batter might be the perfect candidate to replace Warner for the last ODI.

He’s been a massive part of us winning this series and it is not great that we’ve lost him but like anything, it provides an opportunity for someone else to step up in the top order and make runs,” Labuschagne told reporters on Monday.

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Certainly, if I got asked to open the batting, absolutely it’s an opportunity that I would enjoy doing. But we’ll have to wait and see.

D’Arcy Short has been named Warner’s replacement for the T20 series as the southpaw remains in doubt for the Test series which kicks off from December 17. Warner’s absence will pave way for Will Pucovski‘s debut in all whites.

Also read : Groin strain rules David Warner out of final ODI, T20 series