Marnus Labuschagne aims for bouncer barrage at Virat Kohli in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

In a lighthearted twist ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has playfully revealed his desire to bowl bouncers at none other than India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli in the upcoming Test series.

Known as one of the world’s best batters, Virat Kohli is a formidable opponent, especially when it comes to pulling short balls, but Marnus Labuschagne seems eager to test him out in the upcoming five-match Test series between Australia and India.

Marnus Labuschagne ready to take on Virat Kohli in the Test Series

Labuschagne, a key figure in Australia’s batting lineup, expressed his eagerness about rolling his arm over in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India. The Aussie star also revealed that he would love to bowl fast-medium and bouncers against Kohli in the high-octane Test series.

Notably, Kohli missed most of the Test series during Team India’s last Australia tour, leaving Labuschagne curious about the Indian superstar. His quirky inquiry about Kohli’s character became a talking point among players during the last Test series between India and Australia.

Now, when asked about his bowling speed, Labuschagne joked that he could hit up to 135 km/h, leaving interviewers in splits. Marnus also admitted that the Australians will hate that he is saying that he could hit 135 km/h, but he has that pace to stun one and all with the ball.

Marnus Labuschagne eager to bowl bouncers to Virat Kohli in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Marnus Labuschagne said in an interview with Channel 7: “I think so. Yeah, I think so. Because they sink energy. You know what are we going to get here? You know? Are you going to get the number three of Australia rolling in, bowling bouncers to Virat Kohli? People want to see that. You want to see, can you pass on his ego like, 'are you going to be ducking bouncers from Marnus?'”

Labuschagne further noted, “I mean, if there's rough. Not if its not there. I mean, but I'm happy to throw in whatever. Yeah, whatever needs, but you'd love to hit a little 135 bouncer. I've got that in me, I reckon. My highest recorded is 132. So 3ks. They (the Australian team) will hate I said that hate that. They all hate that.”

.@gradecricketer asks Marnus Labuschagne: 'Do you think the nation wants to see you bowl?'

And we're off to the races from there 😅 pic.twitter.com/HAQPCcUlfr

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) October 21, 2024

India gearing up for Australia tour with New Zealand Tests

India's much-anticipated Test series against Australia is set to kick off in November and will span approximately two and a half months. In addition to five Test matches, the Indian team will also participate in several tour games during this period. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be India's final assignment in the World Test Championship 2025 cycle.

Notably, the Indian team is currently playing a three-match Test series against New Zealand at home. Virat Kohli played a brilliant knock of 70 runs in the first Test that the hosts lost by eight wickets in Bengaluru. India will next face New Zealand in Pune in the second Test, starting on October 24.