Ashes, 4th Test: Marnus Labuschagne reveals disappointment despite hitting maiden Test century in England

By India Today Sports Desk: Former World No. 1 Test batter Marnus Labuschagne said he was happy to have hit his maiden Test hundred in England but revealed he was disappointed that he was not able to carry his bat to the Stumps on Day 4 of the 4th Ashes Test in Manchester. Labuschagne hit only his second overseas Test century as he ended a 10-match wait for a 3-figure score in the longest format of the game.

After struggling in the first three Ashes Tests wherein he hit just 144 runs without a fifty-plus score, Labuschagne’s bat finally sang on Saturday.

Labuschagne’s performance was a much-needed respite for Australia, who were fighting tooth and nail to save the Manchester Test. The match had seemed lost on Day 3, but Labuschagne’s gritty century breathed life back into the game. His innings were marked by a swift acceleration towards the end, despite the interruptions caused by the rain on Saturday at Old Trafford. This century, his 11th in Tests, came at a crucial time when his team needed it the most.

Ashes 4th Test, Day 4 Highlights

Labuschagne moved within sight of a hundred by twice launching England’s Joe Root high over long-on for six. He had a lucky break on 93 when he edged Root past Crawley at slip, before a single off Moeen saw him to a 161-ball century. Despite the damp outfield neutralizing England’s pace unit and the visibility deteriorating too much for the seamers to operate, Labuschagne stood firm. He shared a 103-run stand with Mitch Marsh, threatening to shut the door completely on England’s hopes of leveling the Ashes series.

However, just before the Tea break, Labuschagne fell to part-time spinner Joe Root, who got the big breakthrough for England.

“It’s hard to judge where I feel with it. Obviously, it’s always very special getting a Test hundred. It doesn’t happen too often but I’m disappointed I couldn’t get us to tea,” Labuschagne told after the day’s play.

“I feel like my game is in a really good space now. Coming into this game I was confident about my technique and how I was batting. I was able to be confident and go back to my strengths, forcing their hand to bowl a lot of balls at me and take time out of the game.”

SAVE THE TEST, RETAIN THE URN

The wet weather played spoilsport, with only 30 overs possible during a gloomy afternoon. The morning and evening sessions were wiped out by the rain, leaving Australia 61 runs behind on 214-5 in its second innings. With a dreadful forecast for the fifth and final day, Australia’s hopes of drawing the Test depends on the two all-rounders, Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, who are in the middle.

Labuschagne said the visitors will now look to save the Test, which will enable them to take an unbeatable 2-1 lead and retain the Ashes Urn.

“We were so close to having a tremendous day there. We only needed 60 more to be within England’s first innings total. The wicket feels alright, the ball change seems to have more swing and that’ll be a challenge in the morning, if we get play tomorrow. For us, this is about saving this Test match and retaining the Ashes,” Labuschagne added.