Famous for his power-packed appearances and his unbeatable knocks, Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne became an immediate benefactor for the Aussies when he stepped onto the pitch in 2014. Showcasing brilliant performances consistently, Marnus has proved to be an “X-Factor” for the team. This young all-rounder brings different elements to the team – energetic fielding, and handy leg-spin bowling – making a good balance for the squad. He is known for being way too mature for a batsman who has only 14 Tests under his belt.
How he catapulted to worldwide stardom?
The effervescent 25-year-old was born in South Africa and raised in Queensland from the age of 10. He made his first-class debut at the historic Adelaide Oval in the 2014-15 Sheffield Shield when he was only 20 years old. He scored 83 runs in his very first innings and became one of the key players in the team. He made his debut against Pakistan in October 2018 and stunned the cricket lovers with four half centuries in last year’s Ashes series in England.
This glorious Australian summer has brought a wave of success for him as Marnus broke a 67-year-old Australian record. As he clinched a maiden double century against New Zealand at SCG in the Sydney Test, he went past Neil Harvey’s record of scoring the most runs over a 5-Test Australian summer. Marnus has had a dream run in Test cricket, guiding Australia to a clean-sweeping series victory (3-0) in the Test series.
Record-breaking performances
As the Aussies ended their perfect home season with two series whitewashes against Pakistan (2-0) and New Zealand (3-0), Marnus has contributed to the 5th Test victory in succession. Marnus Labuschagne hit another half century as he mustered 59 runs in Australia’s second innings, ending up with a tally of 896 runs over 5 Tests at a staggering average of 112 (including three centuries, a double hundred and three fifties). After achieving this feat, he was adjudged Player of the Match and the Series.
With 1400 runs in 14 Tests, he now averages 63.64 in his career, next to Sir Donald Bradman, who comfortably reigns No 1. spot with a world record of 99.94. Labuschagne also surpassed his teammate Steve Smith, who is now delegated to third on the list on 62.84.
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A spectacular 2020
The 25-year-old batsman signed off the calendar as the leading run-getter in Tests. It would not be wrong to say that this Test season truly belonged to Labuschagne and he will be remembered for his exploits in the five home tests this season, stockpiling massive scores – 59, 215, 63, 19, 143, 50, 162 and 185 since November 21, 2019.
As far as his future assignments are concerned, he has more challenging overseas tournaments and tougher opposition than Pakistan and New Zealand. With such great accomplishments registered to his name, the irrepressible Aussie cricketer has undoubtedly revolutionized the lofty standards for Australian batting in recent years.
