‘I’d like to see him check’: Labuschagne responds after Warner comments

Marnus Labuschagne has responded after David Warner cast doubt over the 30-year-old’s return to form following his half-century in Adelaide.

Labuschagne entered the second Test under serious pressure following scores of two and three in Perth and did what he needed to silence his critics, managing 64 runs to put Travis Head in a strong position before his man-of-the-match knock.

Although Warner wasn’t entirely convinced that Labuschagne had dispelled all concerns about his form, specifically pointing to his “lack of awareness” in attacking through the gully region.

“I’m still not convinced with Marnus,” Warner told News Corp at the time.

“I don’t think that was anywhere near what we know he’s capable of. He might have got a couple out of the middle, got a couple of freebies, batted well that night to get through but they bowled poorly.

“So from that perspective, he had the best conditions to come out and bat in. But he got out the same way he always does get out when he gets over 50, hits it straight to gully. So there’s a lack of awareness there of what he’s got to be mindful of. I don’t think he’s anywhere near where he should be.”

When asked about those comments by News Corp ahead of this weekend’s Brisbane Test, Labuschagne said he would like to see Warner “check how many times I’ve been caught at gully”.

“Because apparently I get out there every week,” Labuschagne added.

“I’ve looked back and I think I can only remember getting caught at gully twice. So I might have to have a look at Bull’s comment there. But like I said, everyone’s here to write newspapers, write articles.”

Labuschagne, who was criticised for his ultra-defensive mindset in the first Test, also found it ironic that he was now being picked apart for a looser approach.

“It’s a two-edged sword,” he said.

“Week before, I wasn’t playing enough shots, and then this week, people are unhappy because you’re playing too many shots. So the end of the day, I’m not here to please everyone. I’m here to win games for Australia.”