Labuschagne upbeat on Test cricket ahead of Lord’s final
Marnus Labuschagne thinks the two-year WTC cycle makes Tests exciting as he prepares for the ICC World Test Championship Final commencing on June 11.
Marnus Labuschagne believes that Test cricket is in "great place" as he prepares for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship Final.
The 30-year-old is set to join the rest of the Australian squad in their bid to defend the title against South Africa at Lord’s, with the highly anticipated clash set to begin on June 11.
“It is an exciting tournament,” he said.
“It means every Test you play has something on it, it brings all the countries into play, and anyone can make the final. You’re playing for a trophy at the end of a two-year cycle. I think it has worked great. Two years ago, when we beat India, it was awesome
“I’m looking at it from a player’s perspective and it looks like the game is in a great place.”
Labuschagne was part of the Australian team that clinched the ICC World Test Championship title in 2023, when they defeated India by 209 runs at The Oval to lift the trophy for the first time.
“Every time Test cricket is on, people want to watch it. India, Australia and England are probably carrying a bit of the load of Test cricket, but we really want to see all the countries keep producing great players and being part of upholding such an amazing tradition of Test cricket.”
Labuschagne solidified his place in the Australian setup during the 2019 Ashes at Lord’s, famously becoming cricket’s first-ever concussion substitute. That moment marked the beginning of a prolific phase for the South African-born batter, who went on to average an impressive 63.43 after 14 Tests and held the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for six months starting December 2021.
However, the current World Test Championship cycle has been more challenging for Labuschagne, with the right-hander averaging 28.33 with a lone century. To adapt to British conditions and rediscover his form ahead of the WTC Final, he has been turning out for Glamorgan—his county stint proving to be something of a second home for him.
“I love playing with the guys here, they are close friends, and I love the environment at the club,” he said.
“The benefit of having a relationship with the club for six years is that you have the perks of being able to call the director of cricket and say: ‘this is what it looks like, is there a chance we can line this up’.
“Without that relationship, there might be some hesitancy, or you might not get someone in for two games. But that’s the benefit of the long-term commitment I have shown over the last six years.”
Australia odd couple Labuschagne and Smith brought together by love of batting | WTC23 Final
The Australia squad give an insight into playing with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023
Labuschagne isn’t alone in the County Championship, with fellow Australian all-rounders Beau Webster and Cameron Green also featuring alongside him. Webster is representing Gloucestershire, while Green, making his return from injury, is turning out for Warwickshire.
“I spoke to Greeny last week, he’s going well,” Labuschagne said
“I think he’s just enjoying being back playing and being able to be on the park after being out for as long as he was.
“I haven’t spoken too much to Beau but I’m sure we will reunite in the next week or so, get back on the golf course and have a bit of chat before we get ready for the final.
“It (county cricket) just stands you in good stead as you are out playing games, you are in that competitive mindset, and you get yourself in that headspace again.”
Australia last faced South Africa in a Test series during the 2022-23 season, where Australia secured a 2-0 series victory on home soil.
This time, with the ICC World Test Championship title up for grabs, Labuschagne is determined to leave London with the silverware in hand.
“South Africa have been a very good team in this cycle, on paper it’s a well-balanced side and they have some really nice players,” he said
“It will be a good challenge for us, and we are going to have to be on our game. Playing at Lord’s is always special with the history and what is involved with playing there. It’s going to be an awesome week and another great match.”