In his last eight Tests, Khawaja has averaged 30.60, with no centuries. Smith hasn't fared any better, averaging 29.38 with no centuries in eight Tests while Labuschagne averages just 23.57.
Yet most of the discussion leading into the first Test was about Labuschagne's tryst with medium-pace bowling and the bouncers he intended to bowl at the Indian batters. Maybe that was intended to just distract him and everyone else. But it didn't work.
Two tortured innings at Perth revealed that here is a great who has somehow lost his way in international cricket. His 2 off 52 was of a man struggling with everything he's got. And the 3 in the second innings was of a man just looking to somehow survive. If Labuschagne won't score, there is no point in Australia sticking with him.
This story is from the November 29, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 29, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rohit, Rahul And The Question Of Who Will Open With Yashasvi
India didn't disturb the Jaiswal-Rahul opening pair and skipper Rohit Sharma came in at No.4 in the truncated pink-ball game vs Aus PM XI
Kyiv Needs Arms, Nato Invite Before Talks With Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that his country needed security guarantees from Nato and more weapons to defend itself before any talks with Russia.
How Siraj Found His Rhythm After A Poor Run At Home
The thing that always strikes you about Mohammed Siraj is his enthusiasm.
MY PARENTS MAY HAVE BLAMED THEMSELVES FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH: IRA
Ira Khan, daughter of Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta, recently opened up about her parents' reaction to her mental health issues
Bhajji confirms biopic, wants Vicky Kaushal to play him on screen
Indians love their sports icons and thus sports biopics are loved by moviegoers. Currently, biopics on former cricketers Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh are in the pipeline.
Debutant Bethell leads England to 8-wkt win over New Zealand
England blazed to an eight-wicket victory in the first Test against New Zealand Sunday, knocking off their 104run target in just 12.4 overs of their second innings.
Liverpool beat City to go nine points clear; Chelsea Win
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool overawed arch-rivals Manchester City in a 2-0 win on Sunday with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah to take a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League and extend their opponents' slump to seven games without a win.
Jay Shah takes over as youngest ICC chief
CURRENTLY, THE PRIMARY REVENUE SOURCE FOR THE GLOBAL BODY IS THE GLOBAL WHITE-BALL TOURNAMENTS FOR MEN THAT ARE PLAYED ONE EVENT EACH ANNUALLY
Nishant takes Vegas punt in path to reset
It didn't take long for Nishant Dev, India's Paris Olympics boxer, to understand the gulf in attitude towards training in his temporary new set-up compared to what it was back home.
Gukesh takes a gamble but Game 6 too ends in a draw
The teenager spurned world champion Ding Liren's early peace offer before battling to split the point after 46 moves in Singapore