"Labuschagne's growth into Test No. 3 position was phenomenal," says Andrew McDonald

Labuschagne has become indispensable for Australia after his brilliant outing in Ashes 2019.

By Swapnil Shireesh Javkhedkar - 19 Apr, 2020

The 25-year-old Marnus Labuschagne has been in the form of his life since last year as he had a superb 2019 and this year, the right-hander managed to score a tally of 896 runs during the home Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand.

Even Australia’s assistant coach Andrew McDonald was all praises as he felt that Marnus’ growth into a Test No.3 batsman has been really great to see.

Labuschagne who got an opportunity to play as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith in last year’s Ashes’ Test held at iconic Lord’s cricket ground in England was unstoppable as he has now become an impressive No.3 batsman in the longest format for Australia.

WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne resumes his training in backyard with taped tennis ball

The real surprise for me, and it's been pretty well documented, was Marnus. His growth into that Test No. 3 position was phenomenal and great to witness. I've done a fair bit of coaching against him at the state level and had never seen the level he has been able to play at and long may it be the case,” ESPNCricinfo quoted Donald as saying.

McDonald then talked about Labuschagne’s chances of featuring in the next ICC World Cup 2023.

He was good in the 50-over game batting in the middle order, him and Steve Smith, he's a very good player of spin. So going forward to a World Cup in 2023 think he'll be a part of that one-day team with a view to being on the big stage in 2023 assuming all goes well,” he said.

His ability to play spin, fast bowling, rotate [strike], he's a good fielder, so there's a handy package there. A good find for the selectors who persisted with him - no one saw that, so full credit to those who picked him,” he added.

(With ANI inputs)

By Swapnil Shireesh Javkhedkar - 19 Apr, 2020

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