Pacers make India difficult to beat in Australia: Marnus Labuschagne

Star batter Marnus Labuschagne reckons fast bowlers make India a “difficult” side to beat in Australian conditions as the hosts look to end their barren run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which has lasted nearly a decade.

India have won every bilateral Test series against Australia since losing 1-2 in an away affair in 2014-15. They recorded identical 2-1 series wins in 2018-19 and 2020-21 Down Under.

“India’s fast bowling is very good, which is really what makes them such a tough team to beat in Australian conditions,” Labuschagne said.

The middle-order mainstay termed the rivalry as ‘tough’ irrespective of where they are playing. “There is always high anticipation. To these two teams, it doesn’t matter where we’re playing, if it’s in England, Australia or India, it’s always a tough contest,” he said.

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon termed Indian players as “superstars” while hoping to revive his on-field rivalry with India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

“I’ve always said throughout my whole career (that) I want to compete against the best and you look through the whole Indian line-up, the whole squad, there’s absolute superstars everywhere,” he said.

“I know Ashwin, we debuted around similar times and we’ve competed against each other in a number of series. I have got nothing but respect for him. He is an absolute master in the craft of off-spin bowling and it’s been an absolute privilege to play against him and learn off him,” said Lyon.

All-rounder Cameron Green reckoned the five-Test series between India and Australia starting on November 22 at Perth could be a “preview” for the final of the World Test Championship next year. India lead the WTC table, followed by Australia. The WTC final will be played at Lord’s on June 11-15.

NZ add Herath and Rathour to coaching staff for Asia Tests

New Zealand added former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath and India’s ex-batting coach Vikram Rathour to their coaching staff for their upcoming three Test matches in Asia. New Zealand play a one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Greater Noida before flying to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in Galle. After the series in Sri Lanka, New Zealand will return to India to play three Tests against Rohit Sharma and his men. Reuters