Marnus Labuschagne credits County stint for glorious Ashes 2019
Marnus Labuschagne has had a dream run in the ongoing Ashes 2019. The Australian batsman came on as a replacement substitute for the concussed Steve Smith in the second Ashes Test at Lord's. Since coming on, Labuschagne has scored three successive fifties. His runs have helped Australia to survive at Lord's and then be on the up at Headingley. Here's more.
Labuschagne has been in prime form in Ashes 2019
Labuschagne has got scores of 59, 76 and 80 in Ashes 2019. His 59 in the second innings at Lord's helped Australia get a draw on a thrilling final day. He scored 76 in the third Test when his side was bowled out for 179. Labuschagne also scored 80 in the second innings to steer his side in setting a target of 359.
Labuschagne credits Glamorgan stint for stupendous form
Labuschagne had a terrific English summer with the County. He represented Glamorgan in the second division of the Championship. The promising cricketer scored 1,114 runs, at an average of 65.52. He amassed five centuries and as many fifties in ten matches for the side. The consistency and hunger for runs made things easier for him to adjust in Ashes 2019.
Playing for Glamorgan helped a lot, says Labuschagne
"Playing for Glamorgan helped a lot. Obviously, playing 10 first-class games in probably less than two months, maybe a bit more, was very helpful. Playing against the swinging ball in different conditions, and just learning my game and learning to put big runs on the board definitely helped me and built my confidence," said the player to ICC.
My focus was really on red-ball cricket: Labuschagne
Labuschagne said that his focus was solely on red-ball cricket. "Then transitioning to this, I think I didn't play many other formats leading up to this, so my focus was really on red-ball cricket. So the lead-up and preparations were really good," he added.
Smith was in dream form before getting ruled out
Smith was in dream form with the bat and got scores of 144, 142 and 92. At Lord's, Jofra Archer's short ball felled Smith. The right-handed batsman was lying flat on his back before getting up to applause from the crowd. He couldn't continue though and retired hurt. He came back and was dismissed by Chris Woakes. Smith got ruled out the third Test.
Labuschagne has fit into Smith's shoes
Labuschagne has come in and stepped into Smith's shoes perfectly. The runs Smith got at number four was carried on by his replacement. Going into the fourth and fifth Ashes Tests, both these players are likely to be playing together. This will boost Australia's chances.
