Australia’s talisman batsman Marnus Labuschagne has had a dream start to his Test career. The right-hander ended 2019 as the highest run-getter of the Test format in 2019. Marnus amassed 1104 runs in 11 Test matches at an impressive average of 64.94. Overall, the right-hander has scored 1459 runs in 14 Test matches at an average of 63.43.
Thus, Labuschagne has shown all the skills to go a long way in his Test career. On the other hand, the right-hander has scored 305 runs in seven ODI matches. The South African born wants to be the man of all formats for Australia and he is working on developing his skills in the white-ball format.
Labuschagne stated that he wants to contribute with the ball and chip in some crucial overs in the middle stage of an ODI game. Furthermore, the 26-year old wants to improve his batting in the death overs of the match.
Labuschagne will get the opportunity to prove his mettle in the upcoming limited-overs series against England. Australia is all set to tour England for three T20Is and as many ODIs, with the first T20I to take place at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, on 4th September. Labuschagne is yet to make his T20I debut whereas he had made his ODI debut against India.
It doesn’t matter what the format is, I want to get better,” Labuschagne told reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday.
“Definitely some areas in one-day cricket I’m continuing to develop are my bowling, making sure I get a bit more consistent and become a better option for the skipper with the ball in those middle overs. I also want to keep working on my batting at the death.”
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne was all set to play for English County Glamorgan but Covid-19 went to quash his plans. Consequently, he trained and kept himself busy at Cricket Australia’s training camp in Brisbane.
Labuschagne added that this break has helped him hone short format skills whereas if he would have played in County cricket, he wouldn’t have been able to do so.
Recently, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting praised Marnus Labuschagne and stated he has the leadership skills to lead the team in the future.
Labuschagne will like to be at his best in the upcoming limited-overs series against world champions, England.