Marnus Labuschagne affirmed that Afghanistan should not be viewed as underdogs in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy match. He stressed the need for Australia to effectively combat Afghanistan’s spin bowling and acknowledged the pressures stemming from their previous game’s cancellation. Labuschagne highlighted the skill level of Afghanistan’s players and stated he personally feels no conflict about competing against them despite previous political stances by Cricket Australia.
In anticipation of the ICC Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan, Marnus Labuschagne emphasized that he does not consider Afghanistan as underdogs. He highlighted the significance of countering Afghanistan’s spinners during the middle overs, which he identified as crucial for Australia’s success in the tournament. Given that Australia’s previous match against South Africa was abandoned, the team is under pressure to secure a win against Afghanistan to advance to the semi-finals.
Labuschagne pointed out Afghanistan’s strengths, notably their improved spin and pace bowling, acknowledging specific players who have performed well in recent games. He recalled Australia’s last encounter with Afghanistan, where Australia narrowly won thanks to Glenn Maxwell’s exceptional performance. Labuschagne expressed confidence in Australia’s preparation despite some training disruptions caused by weather-related cancellations.
When questioned about Afghanistan’s status as underdogs, Labuschagne firmly stated, “Look, I’m not a pundit or someone that deems if they’re underdog or not,” recognizing Afghanistan’s impressive skill level and capabilities. He reiterated that Australia would be well-prepared and focused on delivering a strong performance.
Regarding political aspects, Labuschagne mentioned that while Cricket Australia has previously taken a stance against playing bilateral cricket with Afghanistan due to issues concerning gender restrictions in sports, he personally had no reservations about competing in an ICC tournament. He reiterated his focus on the upcoming match, emphasizing a commitment to performance rather than political considerations.
In summary, Marnus Labuschagne conveyed a respectful perspective towards Afghanistan’s cricketing abilities, refusing to label them as underdogs. He highlighted the necessity for Australia to tackle Afghanistan’s formidable spin and pace effectively while emphasizing his team’s preparation for the high-stakes match. Despite Cricket Australia’s stance on political issues, Labuschagne remains committed to competing athletic excellence.
Original Source: www.news18.com
