Marnus Labuschagne: ‘can’t wait for that challenge to face Jimmy’

Things are starting really heat up as the Ashes are less than a week away now and the feeling of cricket season is entirely upon us now.

The last time we witnessed an Ashes series, Marnus Labuschagne made his name known as Steve Smith’s concussion substitute and he has never looked back since.

This time around he’s not a fringe squad member, but the fourth-highest ICC test ranked male batter and completely established member of the Australian test XI.

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Amongst the majority of the Australian Ashes squad now, Labuschagne is pleased with current preparations.

“It’s nice to join up as a squad, it’s our first real hitout as, not everyone, but with most of the squad, it’s just nice to get out there on a nice sunny day, it’s been a bit wet the last couple of weeks,” he told media on Friday.

“I think the guys that were in the bubble at the Gold Coast prepared really well, they had a few centre wicket (practice sessions) there, and I know everyone’s feeling ready to go.”

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There’s one Englishman in mind when it comes to who Labuschagne is excited about facing up to, and it’s probably the one you’d most expect.

“It’s gonna be great fun, I really can’t wait for that challenge to face Jimmy (Anderson). Obviously, I’ve spoken about his quality as a player, you don’t take that many wickets without being quality, so it’s gonna be an exciting challenge for the Ashes.”

Labuschagne will have even more to worry about this summer as the England squad will have done far more homework on him and scoring runs may not seem so simple.

“Cricket’s quite an individual game, it’s a team game from a culture point of view, but I think we communicate and we talk a lot to each other without playing, but cricket’s also an individual game, batters individually need to score runs, and the bowler’s need to put the ball in the right area’s consistently,” he said.

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This will be the first time Labuschagne will get to play an Ashes Test on his home ground when the series kicks off at the Gabba on Wednesday.

“It is really exciting to be playing my first Ashes at home, just really looking forward to the challenge once again being home and starting at the Gabba which is where we love to start our series’.”

It’s fair to say that Labuschagne is a member of the Pat Cummins fan club, speaking strongly and positively about his new test captain.

“I think (Pat Cummins) is a tremendous person, his knowledge of the game is very good, it’s gonna be a change for him, having to be the skipper and having to lead the show out there, he’s gonna do a fabulous job, he’s got plenty of support.”

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