Marnus Labuschagne admits he needs to score runs in Adelaide Test against India in Border-Gavaskar series

Marnus Labuschagne has openly admitted he has “to score runs” as the embattled first drop works tirelessly in the nets to re-find the form that made him one of the world’s best batters only a few years ago.

Labuschagne is the man most under pressure in Australia’s spluttering top order having made two off 52 in Australia’s first innings disaster before an ugly dismissal late on day three where he fell over after being pinned LBW after trying to leave the ball.

Having once averaged more than 60 in Test cricket Labuschagne has passed 10 just once in his past 10 Test innings averaging a paltry 13.66.

Australia have said they will not be making drastic changes to the top order after their harrowing defeat with Labuschagne’s spot safe for Adelaide, but coach Andrew McDonald did suggest he needed to show more intent at the crease.

Columnist for The Nightly Mitchell Johnson says he needs to be sacked and Labuschagne knows he has to perform in the Adelaide Test.

“It is always tough when you lose a game for Australia and you are not scoring runs,” Labuschagne told News Corp.

“That is your job as a batter. You have to score runs. I have to score runs. If I am not doing that we are not winning Tests. That is never good, is it?”

Labuschagne faced a group of Queensland fast bowlers before taking throw downs from state coach Johan Botha.

“It is no different to my normal preparation — I am always trying to find that right rhythm,” he said.

“We have got about eight days. Unfortunately it does not matter until we roll out on that day one wicket.”

McDonald has stood by Labuschagne so far.

“We look at the way he plays, and when he’s at his best - and when we’ve seen him at his best he’s shown great intent at the crease,” McDonald said

“That’s an ongoing discussion and that ebbs and flows in players’ careers, so at the moment he’s in one of those patches.”