Huge Worry For Australia Ahead Of WTC Final. This Star Badly Out Of Form In County Cricket

Marnus Labuschagne's blueprint to get valuable game time before Australia's high-stakes World Test Championship final against South Africa next was scuppered yet again. Labuschagne, who appeared in his first of two County Championship fixtures for Glamorgan, continued to endure a dry spell with his bat in the second innings after a flop show in the first. The former world number one Test batter turned his focus to get some time on the crease before the blockbuster fixture against the Proteas, scheduled to take place from June 11. He joined County side Glamorgan for their two fixtures, looking to get a hang of the English conditions a bit early before Australia turns up to defend the prized WTC mace.

After a duck in the first innings, Labuschagne continued his search for the purple patch after Glamorgan lost Zain ul Hassan cheaply in pursuit of a paltry 66-run target against Northamptonshire.

Labuschagne lasted just eight deliveries as Ben Sanderson brought the curtains down on his innings and punched his return ticket on just 4(8). In the first innings, Labuschagne walked out at the crease at 46/1 for Glamorgan against Northamptonshire at Sophia Gardens, looking to find his groove; however, his plans were immediately thwarted by South Australia quick Harry Conway.

The 30-year-old lasted just seven deliveries and eight minutes before Northamptonshire's Conway lured out a thick outside edge straight to Justin Broad, forcing the experienced batter to return for a duck.

Labuschagne's prized wicket pulled out a big celebration from the jubilant Conway, enacting the umpire's signal to confirm the dismissal. While one Australian relished the moment, the other looked back on his spoiled first hit-out after a recent paternity