Marnus Labuschagne shy launching during the first shifts of the World Championship on the last day of the first day on Wednesday 11th June left Kevin Pietersen frustrated from the commentary. Labuschagne, which was promoted as an opener for the WTC finals, showed a lack of intention during the first meeting, which was difficult for Australia when they quickly lost two goals.
But as soon as Steve Smith came to the batHe was seen how he tried to run quickly and ran to a score of 17 of only 28 supplies. For context it was the same score on which Labuschagne detonated after he faced 49 supplies. Eventually he was released for the same score from 56 vans.
During this time, Pietersen was in the commentary and criticized the Australian opener. The former English captain said that Marnus had the ability to hit the ball well, but his thinking held him back.
“You see a lot of departure from Marnus … Steve Smith won’t let you go, and that’s why he’s one of the big players,” Pietersen said in the commentary. “Just on Marnus it’s actually quite frustrating to watch. He has the ability to hit the ball really well if his body goes toward the ball if his head goes to the ball.”
“I just think it’s thinking. My ability, my eyes, has a technique, but I think she has to change the way he thinks at the moment.”
“The dough is out there to score”
Pietersen said that the dough is there to score running, and you can’t afford to leave the ball all day. The former English captain feels that such an approach will leave you vulnerable and the pitchors can work out.
“The dough is out there to score runs, you’re not out there to leave the ball all day.
“You can get on it. If someone is just trying to leave (the ball), you can work it out. Compare it with someone like Steve Smith – if you miss the line, miss your length, slap you at four.”
Australia eventually scored 212 runs.
Published on:
June 12, 2025
