“Quite frustrating to watch” - Kevin Pietersen’s brutal attack on Aussie batter after another failure in SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen highlighted Marnus Labuschagne's lack of intent during his innings on Day 1 of the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final on Wednesday, June 11, at Lord's. The right-handed batter was promoted to open the innings, but could only score 17 runs off 56 deliveries before being dismissed by Marco Jansen.

Labuschagne's run of form was a major talking point during the build-up for the summit clash. Barring twin fifties in the pink ball Test against India at the Adelaide Oval in late 2024, the batter does not have much to show for in recent times. His poor string of scores for Glamorgan ahead of the final also did not help his case.

However, he managed to retain his place in the playing XI, albeit in a different role as the returning Cameron Green claimed the No.3 spot. In his maiden outing as an opener in Tests, he was tested by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen early on with the new ball.

He was largely pinned down by the Proteas bowlers, and scored only one boundary, before eventually nicking one to the wicket-keeper in the 18th over.

Pietersen labelled Labuschagne's lack of intent as 'frustrating', and felt that he had to be much more active to seek runs and not just look to survive.

"Just on Marnus here, it is actually quite frustrating to watch. He has the ability to hit the ball really well if his body goes towards the ball, if his head goes toward the ball," Pietersen said on air (via The Wide World of Sports).

"I just think it's a mindset. He has the ability, he has the eyes, he has the technique, but I just think he needs to change the way he's thinking at the moment. Batters are out there to score runs, you're not out there to leave the ball all day," Pietersen added.

The former No.1-ranked batter averaged only 30.93 in 2024 across nine Tests. In 17 innings, he recorded single-digit figures on nine occasions. Amid such a lean patch, his place in the batting order is under threat, with the likes of Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas waiting on the sidelines.

"One ball will have your name on it" - Kevin Pietersen demands more intent from batters in 2025 WTC Final

Labuschagne's dismissal in the first session reduced Australia to 46-3. Fifties from Steve Smith and Beau Webster helped the defending champions recover, but a late collapse meant that they were bundled out for 212 in 56.4 overs.

The Pat Cummins-led side scored with a run-rate of 2.88 in the first session. However, when the conditions eased in the second session, especially with the cloud cover easing up, they were able to score more freely. In the second session, the batting side amassed 123 runs at a run rate of 4.65.

"One ball will have your name on it. Till then SCORE RUNS! Defending isn’t the play!" Pietersen posted on X after Stumps on Day 1.

Australia made a massive statement in the final session by dismantling the Proteas' top order with the new ball. Mitchell Starc struck twice, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also chipped in to reduce the opposition to 43-4 at the end of the day's play.