McDonald defends Labuschagne backing as selectors weigh Test place
Australia will reassess the batter before the December series against New Zealand after his century drought reached 49 Test innings.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald has defended the decision to keep selecting Marnus Labuschagne but says his place will be reviewed before the home Tests against New Zealand in December.
Labuschagne has gone 49 Test innings without a century, a record drought for an Australian top-four batter. He was dismissed twice within eight balls during the Cape Town decider, where Australia lost by 176 runs to suffer a 2-1 series defeat against South Africa.
Former Test opener Simon Katich criticised selectors George Bailey, McDonald and Tony Dodemaide, arguing their failure to drop the Queenslander sooner could have caused lasting damage to his career.
McDonald declined to address Katich’s remarks directly. He rejected the idea that representing Australia harmed a player and said he would avoid making selection decisions in the emotional aftermath of the defeat.
The coach acknowledged Labuschagne had missed opportunities during the tour, while pointing to his performances in state cricket. McDonald said Sheffield Shield form would also help shape the squad for New Zealand, with Sam Konstas among those performing in the competition.
McDonald also backed Nathan Lyon to prepare for the opening home Test in Perth. Lyon finished with 2-101 in Cape Town, while South Africa’s Simon Harmer took 6-16 on the fifth day. Captain Pat Cummins defended Lyon’s bowling despite his limited wickets.
