With Cameron Green eager to regain a spot in Australia's starting XI, Marnus Labuschagne experienced a sense of relief upon being given the green light to participate in the 'Boxing Day' Test against Pakistan.
This followed a nasty blow to his little finger during the hosts' initial win. Labuschagne required medical attention following a hit on his right hand by debutant Khurram Shahzad early in the second innings in Perth. Subsequently, he mistimed a shot off the Pakistan pace bowler, resulting in his dismissal for two runs.
All-rounder Green, who had lost his spot in the squad to Mitchell Marsh, sent his best wishes via text before Labuschagne underwent a scan.
Labuschagne playfully remarked that he advised Green not to get too optimistic.
"He just said, 'I hope it all goes well, good luck,'" Labuschagne told reporters. "I just said, - It’s not going to make a difference, mate".
"It’s going to have take something pretty serious to have me miss a game."
Labuschagne was among a number of batters displaying bruises following Australia's commanding 360-run victory on day four, as the Perth Stadium pitch deteriorated swiftly.
Marsh, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja all endured physical knocks, while Pakistan were dismissed for 89 in their second innings.
Critics debated whether the cracked pitch was excessively lively for fair competition, yet Labuschagne refrained from explicitly deeming it unsafe.
"No one likes batting when it's like that, up-and-down. The sharp, steep bounce on a fast wicket. It's not a cup of tea for anyone," he said.
"But you just have to find a way when it's like that."
Earlier today, Australia announced a 13-man squad for the second Test against Pakistan. Australia trimmed their 14-man squad from Perth to 13 after omitting pacer Lance Morris as he is set to return to Big Bash side, Perth Scorchers.
Australia squad for the second Test:
Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, David Warner
