Marnus Labuschagne is set to play his first Test against South Africa.
In his fourth season as international cricketer, Labuschagne has established himself as one of the leading Test batters in world cricket. Currently holding the top spot in ICC Test batting rankings, the right-hander has played 30 Tests so far, amassing 3041 runs at an average of 60.82 with 10 centuries and 13 fifties.
However, Labuschagne is yet to be tested against the country of his birth in the longest format. No wonder, it will be a special moment for him to be facing the Proteas side in the upcoming three-match Test series, starting December 17 at Gabba.
"Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, Greame Smith, AB de Villiers – as a young kid growing up in South Africa, you look up to these guys," cricket.com.au quoted Labuschagne as saying.
"Then coming to Australia, and really diving into the Australian culture, looking up to the likes of Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Michael Hussey Michael Clarke – I remember getting a V900 (bat) because Michael Clarke had a V900.
"As your career evolves you just grow and grow to liking to different players, it doesn't matter the country."
The 28-year-old also made it clear that there will be no split allegiances as his family members consider Australia as their home.
"My family have adopted Australia as their home and they support me, they support the Australian cricket team," he said.
"But I certainly think it's exciting what this Test holds because it is a little bit closer to my heart because it's the country where I grew up and where I spent 10 years of my life."
Labuschagne, who was peppered with short balls by West Indies speedster Alzarri Joseph in the recently-concluded series, is expecting to face some more chin music while facing the Proteas pace battery.
"I certainly was doing a few more short balls," he said of the extra training he did with batting coach Michael di Venuto.
"We were working on a few technical things with 'Diva' just on getting my weight distribution right and being able to get back on the ball and actually swivel on that back hip.
"We certainly were looking forward and preparing for what was to come."
(cricket.com.au inputs)