Fri Feb 07 09:18:37 UTC 2025: ## Labuschagne’s Slump Raises Concerns for Australia Ahead of WTC Final

**Colombo, Sri Lanka:** Australia maintains a dominant position in the second Test against Sri Lanka, but veteran batsman Marnus Labuschagne’s recent poor form is causing concern ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Labuschagne, who scored his 11th Test century in July 2023, has struggled since, failing to reach double figures in 15 of his last 27 innings. He managed only 4 runs in the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka, following a 20-run score in the first Test. His average in the Sri Lanka series stands at a meagre 12 runs. His struggles continued in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, where he averaged 25.78 despite being among the top ten run-scorers.

While he scored seven half-centuries since his last century, his highest score in this period is only 90. His low scores have prompted criticism and raised questions about his form heading into the crucial WTC final. His dismissals in the Sri Lanka series have been attributed to Jeffery Vandersay and Prabath Jayasuriya.

Despite Labuschagne’s struggles, Australia reached 85/2 at lunch on day two of the second Test, with Usman Khawaja (34*) and Steve Smith (23*) at the crease. However, the team has suffered a setback with four squad changes needed before the Champions Trophy. The full report is available via the link provided. *[Note: The unrelated paragraph about weight management has been omitted from this news report.]*

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