India vs Australia 2020: 5 things we learnt from the series

5. Labuschagne deserves more chances in ODIs

Labuschagne seems capable of performing in ODIs too

This series saw the debut of Marnus Labuschagne.

The right-hander has set the world alight with his prolific run-getting in the longest format. In this series, while Labuschagne got just two innings, he gave enough evidence that he can contribute greatly in the 50-over format too.

His shot-making was as good to watch in this series as it has been in the Tests. Yes, he may not be an all-out attacking batsman like David Warner, but he can provide heft in the middle order.

With Aaron Finch and Warner at the top of the order and Steve Smith at No. 3, Labuschagne is a very valuable addition at No. 4.

However, there is also a case for bringing Usman Khawaja back into the team. The left-hander had a great tour of India last year and did well subsequently too. If Khawaja comes back into the team, then Labuschagne would face tough competition; since both of them are grafters and not dashers, they can’t bat lower than No. 4.

Hence, Labuschagne will have to get some big scores under his belt in the coming series, or else Khawaja will remain lurking around the corner.