Marnus Labuschagne to become Australia's new captain? Batsman take a significant step towards his new goal

Australian middle-order batter Marnus Labuschagne will make his senior captaincy debut for a revamped Queensland Bulls team in a Marsh Cup match. Marnus Labuschagne will have an opportunity to showcase his leadership skills against South Australia.

Marnus Labuschagne has been named captain for Queensland’s final Marsh Cup fixture due to the absence of Usman Khawaja and Jimmy Peirson, who is sidelined with a knee issue. The Bulls will face South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide on Wednesday.

Labuschagne debuted for the Bulls in 2014 and will captain a Queensland team for the first time since his under-19 days. The squad comprises Australian cricketers Ben McDermott, Matthew Kuhnemann, Gurinder Sandhu, Mitchell Swepson, and Matthew Renshaw.

The No.3 batter endured a challenging run of form during the Australian summer. The 29-year-old batter struggled against the West Indies, registering scores of 10, 1*, 3, and 5 in the two Tests. He scored 26 runs in the lone innings during the ODI series against the Windies.

I’ve Said To Marnus Labuschagne As Well – Steve Smith

Steve Smith acknowledged that Marnus Labuschagne may not have achieved the desired results in the test series but emphasized his potential as a skilled player. Smith advised Labuschagne to focus on the basics and trust his instincts while batting in matches.

“I think he’ll be the first to admit that he probably hasn’t got the scores on the board that he would have liked, but I think he feels like he’s batting well and we know how good of a player he is,” Smith said.

“I think as batters we’re always sort of searching for that perfection, and sometimes when you do try that little bit too hard it makes it that little bit further away. He’s definitely a thinker, sometimes maybe an overthinker, which I’ve said to him as well.”

Marnus Labuschagne Named In Australia’s Test Squad For New Zealand Tour

Cricket Australia (CA) recently named a 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand in away conditions. Marnus Labuschagne secured his place in the squad despite his disappointing performances in red-ball cricket in recent times.

The opening Test is set to commence in Wellington on February 29, followed by the second match in Christchurch on March 8. This marks Australia’s first tour to New Zealand since 2016. The two teams will engage in a three-match T20I series before the red ball matches.

Following Lance Morris’ side strain during the West Indies ODI, all-rounder Michael Neser has been brought back to Australia’s squad. Neser is the only change from the previous Test squad and will serve as the backup pacer along with Scott Boland for the upcoming tour.

Australia’s squad to face New Zealand: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc.

Also read: Watch – Marnus Labuschagne Takes Sensational Flying Catch As Lance Morris Claims Maiden International Wicket During AUS vs WI 3rd ODI