‘I think he’s pretty much a lock-in in top 4″ – Australia head coach on Marnus Labuschagne’s batting position ahead of clash vs India in ODI World Cup 2023

Australia is all set to lock horns against Rohit Sharma and Co. on October 8 in Chennai to commence their journey. Notably, Pat Cummins and Co. have recently lost the five matches of the ODI series against South Africa by 2–3.

Following that, Australia lost the three matches of the ODI series by 1-2 against India ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023. However, despite that, Australian star batter Marnus Labuschagne showed his stellar form in both series, which earned him a spot in the final 15-member squad.

Following his inclusion, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald heaped praise on Marnus Labuschagne in his recent interview. The former all-rounder accepted that his batting performance in the series against India and South Africa pushed them to put him in the squad for the marquee event. In addition, the 42-year-old cricketer says that Marnus Labuschagne came back as a different player after he wasn’t named in the squad initially.

I think Marnus Labuschagne is pretty much a lock-in in that top four for ODI World Cup 2023: Andrew McDonald

“It’s been a really good return after being dropped and not included in that South African squad. We were pretty clear on the way that we felt Marn needed to play to fit into the team. He went away and worked on that. I think he may have elaborated on that several days ago when he’s gone away. He’s had a think about it, he’s come back, and he’s come back a different player. There’s no doubt about that,” head coach Andrew McDonald said.

The Aussies head coach confirmed that the star middle-order batter sets to bat in the top four for the ODI World Cup 2023, thanks to his magnificent knocks following against the Proteas and Rohit Sharma-led India.

“So I think he’s pretty much a lock-in in that top four and how we structure up is the final question that we need to answer,” he added further.