Australian all-rounder Beau Webster has thrown his support behind under-fire batter Marnus Labuschagne, insisting the right-hander’s class will shine through after a quiet patch in domestic cricket.
Speaking to ABC Grandstand, Webster said there was never any real doubt about Labuschagne rediscovering form, pointing to his track record at the highest level.
‘Everyone expected him to hit the ground running’
“I don’t think it was ever a doubt, Marnus scoring runs again — he averages 45 in Test cricket, he’s a world-class player and you can’t keep a player like that down for too long,” Webster said. “I don’t think I’m alone in saying everyone expected him to hit the ground running. He looks to be moving free and hitting the ball.”
Webster also weighed in on the injury cloud surrounding captain Pat Cummins, who remains under observation ahead of the opening Test of the summer. The Tasmania star admitted Australia would feel the absence of their skipper but backed the country’s depth to step up.
“When you take someone of Pat’s calibre out of any XI in the world, it’s going to have an impact,” Webster said. “He’s one of the best bowlers in the world and, along with his leadership stuff, he’s going to be hugely missed if he doesn’t get up for the first Test.
“I think the lucky thing in Australian cricket is that we’ve got such a strong system underneath, and any number of guys can come in and do a job. Scotty Boland’s first cab off the rank, and he’s an outstanding bowler.”