Ashes 2023: Michael Di Venuto provides update on Marnus Labuschagne's injury scare ahead of Lord’s Test

Australia assistant coach Michael Di Venuto provided a major injury update on Marnus Labuschagne ahead of the second Ashes Test, slated to be played at Lord’s in London on Wednesday, June 28. For the unversed, the Aussie batter endured a blow on his arm during a practice session on Saturday, June 24.

As per reports, Labuschagne was seen on his knees, in pain after taking a painful blow to the index finger of his right hand while facing throwdowns in the practice session. A few moments later, the batter was assessed by team doctor Leigh Golding and then resumed training. 

On that note, assistant coach Michael Di Venuto provided his stance on the injury scare as he believed that the batter was alright, which is why he must have resumed batting.

“He kept on batting so he must have been okay. Otherwise, he would have walked out. He has got a finger that has copped a couple of knocks. I think he just got another one. He said it felt better because the blood started to flow through or something. So, it makes sense if that’s what you want,” Di Venuto was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.

The Aussie batter failed to score big in his last two Test outings against team India and England. In the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final, Labuschagne compiled scores of 26 and 41 runs, respectively.

Furthermore, in the following Test against the Three Lions at the Edgbaston in Birmingham, the flamboyant right-hander returned dismal scores of 0 and 13 runs across the two innings. In the process, the Aussie batter lost his premier spot in the ICC Test batting rankings, as England’s Joe Root surpassed him following his exquisite ton in the first Ashes Test. 

In any case, Australia are 1-0 up in the five-match series and will be on the hunt to extend their lead in the forthcoming Test in London. Meanwhile, Labuschagne will aim to get back to his best and play invaluable knocks to help his side get ahead in the matches.