Marnus Labuschagne Reacts To Sachin Tendulkar's Praise

Marnus Labuschagne’s rise as one of the best batsmen in Tests today has been meteoric. In only 14 Tests so far since his debut in 2018, the South African-born right-hander has accumulated 1459 runs at an astounding average of 63.43. He didn’t stay behind in ODI cricket as he made 100 runs in his first two innings with scores reading; 46 and 54. As the cricketing fraternity lauded his skills, Sachin Tendulkar’s words of admiration caught everybody’s attention and Labuschagne himself responded to it.

Ahead of the Bushfire Cricket Bash, Indian batting legend Tendulkar went on to recall the second Test match at Lord’s in 2019 between Australia and England. The injury to Steven Smith in that match opened the doors for Labuschagne and since then he has been unstoppable.

The 46-year-old conceded that while watching that game, he claimed straight away that this player is unique as he courageously batted through even after getting struck by Jofra Archer.

Tendulkar even went on to say that his stay at the crease reminded of himself during his playing days.

The leading run-scorer across Test and ODI cricket pointed out that his footwork is flawless and that if mentally a player is thinking positive, the footwork becomes positive too.

“His footwork is so precise. So he would be the one I would say,” said the former India captain when asked which modern-day batsman reminded him of himself. I happened to be watching the second Test match (Ashes) at Lord’s between England and Australia,” Tendulkar said as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“When Steve Smith got injured, I saw Labuschagne’s second innings. I was sitting with my father-in-law. I saw Marnus get hit off the second ball from Jofra Archer and, post that, the 15 minutes he batted, I said, This player looks special’. There is something about him,” he added.

Marnus Labuschagne acknowledges the words from Sachin Tendulkar:

The 26-year-old was in awe of Tendulkar’s words for him and thanked him. Labuschagne also said that to receive such words of appreciation from one of the greatest players of the game means a lot to him.

“It was pretty amazing, it’s one that definitely when I saw it I was quick to read it and it really hit me. Amazing words from someone of that calibre. I was very grateful for his words and just stoked really,” Labuschagne stated.

Labuschagne produced a scintillating display of batting during the five Tests in summer against Pakistan and New Zealand. Across five Test matches, he amassed 896 runs at a staggering average of 112.

His next assignment would be the tour of South Africa where he will join the ODI squad for three games after three T20Is.