"Don't know if he was serious" - Marnus Labuschagne confused at David Warner's desire to reverse retirement ahead of 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne isn't sure what to make of David Warner's recent claim that he wanted to come out of retirement ahead of the Test series against India. The right-handed batter said it was hard to tell when Warner was joking or when he was being serious.
On Tuesday, October 22, the former Australia opener made a shocking claim that he wanted to reverse his retirement to play in the series against India. Warner also underlined his desire to play a Sheffield Shield fixture to prepare for the series and claimed to be 'dead serious' about wanting to come back.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, here's what Labuschagne stated about the same, as quoted by Perth Now:
"I don't know if he was serious or whether he was joking. It is always hard to tell. I don't know what to make of that."
Warner's last Test was earlier this year against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Notably, he had a mediocre record against India in Tests, averaging 31.23 in 21 matches with 1218 runs alongside a best score of 180.
"Pretty simple fix" - Marnus Labuschagne on Steven Smith moving back to No. 4 in Tests
With Steven Smith saying Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja disliked him opening the innings, the former said it made complete sense for the former Aussie captain to bat at No. 4. Labuschagne feels Smith's game sense and ability to adapt well makes him stand out, stating:
"One of the best players for Australia batting in the position he has had the most success in is a pretty simple fix. Cameron Green is unavailable for the summer. There is no one batting at No. 4 as we currently stand in our team. Why not have the person who has done it best for Australia batting in that position?
"It just makes sense. People want to know if there is something more (to it), but that is the reality. I think it is his ability to read match scenarios and adapt his game to whatever the game needs."
The five-Test series between Australia and India begins on November 22 in Perth.