Marnus Labuschagne, the former No.1 Test batter, faces a challenging phase in 2024 as he struggles to regain his form. With guidance from mentor Neil D'Costa, he aims to simplify his approach and rebuild his confidence.
Marnus Labuschagne, who was once regarded as the unrivaled leader in Test batting, is now experiencing a challenging period as he struggles to regain his form in 2024. The Australian right-handed batsman, who took the title of the world's No. 1 Test batter from Joe Root in December 2022, has faced a frustrating stretch at the crease. In the six Tests played this year, Labuschagne has scored only 245 runs at a disappointing average of 24.50, with his top score being a modest 90 against New Zealand in Christchurch.
Following Australia's heavy 295-run defeat to India in the first Test at Optus Stadium, Labuschagne engaged in a rigorous net session, eager to rectify his recent performance issues. Nevertheless, his long-time mentor, Neil D'Costa, contends that the path to his resurgence lies not in excessive training or overanalysis, but in simplifying his method and relying on his inherent instincts.
“I would recommend that he scale back a bit,” D'Costa shared with ESPNcricinfo. “Perhaps he should reduce his training by half. The important thing is to clear his mind, steer clear of rigid strategies, and concentrate on reacting more instinctively. Every batsman experiences slumps like this; it’s almost a rite of passage for players, especially around the age of 30—there’s something significant about that age. Marnus is a cricketer who spares no effort. He is exceptionally fit and committed. Does he tend to overthink? Possibly. But that’s something we all encounter.”
D'Costa's guidance is rooted in his experience, encouraging Labuschagne to take inspiration from Virat Kohli's patience and confidence. Similar to Labuschagne, Kohli faced an extended period of difficulty during the height of his career but managed to rebound with a remarkable century in the second innings of the Perth Test.
“Being ranked No. 1 in the world brings immense pressure. Everyone wants to beat you, and eventually, it becomes nearly impossible to sustain those remarkable standards continuously. Kohli’s downturn serves as a classic illustration of this. However, the essential thing is to have faith in your process, maintain your confidence, and trust in your abilities,” D'Costa remarked.
During the Perth Test, Labuschagne was dismissed for low scores in both innings—caught by Mohammed Siraj for just two runs off 52 balls in the first innings, followed by another dismissal in the second innings at the hands of Jasprit Bumrah. The Australian batsman is now shifting his attention to the upcoming pink-ball Test in Adelaide, which begins on December 6, where he aims to regain his peak performance and return to the consistency that once established him as one of the world's leading batsmen.
