“Not concerned about how people perceive me,” says Marnus Labuschagne
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Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne has been making waves in cricket over the course of the last two years. After failing with the bat in his debut series against Pakistan, the 26-year-old had an incredible story to kickstart his career for the Aussies. He came on as a concussion substitute, the first ever in cricket history, for Steve Smith in a crucial Ashes Test against England and salvaged a draw for his side at Lord’s by top-scoring in the fourth innings.
Ever since then, the South-Africa born immigrant has been going from strength to strength and in the process has established himself as a mainstay in the Australian Test side. His batting average in Tests is a whopping 63 at present. His presence in the ODI side also seems assured at the moment with a healthy batting average nearing 40. His leg-spin bowling has been more than handy for Australia as well.
With India’s tour of Australia looming, Marnus Labuschagne poses a big threat to the Indians with his ability to frustrate the bowlers. The right-handed batsman has been touted by the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar as the one to watch out for in the series and Labuschagne will be out to prove why.
‘I have always been a bit different’
Marnus Labuschagne spoke to Cricbuzz and opened up on his early life, cricket and persona. About his growth in cricket, Labuschagne said, “In the moment, everything happens so quickly that you don’t realie how big the moment is in the moment. Until you step back a year or you step back five months. And be able to sit down and go well, that innings at Lord’s has played a really big part in probably, more in me trusting myself and being able to believe that I belong at that level. To being able to get the momentum and keep putting big scores on the board.“
He then spoke of his unconventional persona saying, “Yeah. I have always probably been a bit different. In the sense that I’ve always been very motivated. It’s well-documented that I really love the game and really love playing the game and learning about the game. But I think maybe it’s just my personality and who I am, and I’m not really too concerned about how people perceive me. It’s all about being true to who I am.“
“I’m definitely not the most normal person going around. I am very energetic, I probably talk a bit too much and that’s been a theme from when I was very young. So, in that sense, nothing has changed,” he added.
‘I like bringing energy to a group’
On being asked about always being the center of attention in practice sessions, Labuschagne said, “I like being the center of attention in that sense. I think that’s probably from a young age. I’ve always been up and about. I like bringing energy to more specifically our group here. And I do get along really well with everyone and I try and spend time with people away from the cricket field as well. I think the more and more you get to know people, not just on the field but off it, the close relationships and bonds sort of form. That’s when you get that really nice banter and the whole coming together.“
Recalling his Lord’s knock, the all-rounder said, “I remember JL [Justin Langer] after that Test at Lord’s saying, “batting there could be career-defining for you”. And I mean in that moment, you are probably not soaking in it like gee this could be the start. You are sort of thinking hopefully I get picked for the next game. That was my thing. It’s Steve Smith he’ll be back. How do I get myself in there and keep playing. In that element itself, what worked for my confidence was that gee the coach and the team are seeing a different side of me.“
‘I really want to be involved with the IPL’
Labuschagne has never got a chance to play in the Indian Premier League and on being asked about the same, he said, “I have been interested in the IPL for a long time, always following and how the teams are going. I really want to be involved in the IPL at some stage but I think the time will come when I’m ready for that opportunity. And I think you don’t need to always rush these things. You know the way my career has developed in the last year has been quite substantial. It’s gone real quick.“
Talking about his style of batting, “My batting has certainly changed in the last 18 months. Previously, I was definitely a bit more side-on in my setup. My bat was a bit more wavy and stuff like that, where a few things have changed. I have learnt and continued to improve in certain areas. My batting has just evolved. The stance that I have right now, is a little bit lower, the bat is sort of up. Just making sure that I can transfer my weight through the ball. They are probably the key things I try and work on,” Labuschagne said.
‘I’ve been exposed to really good people’
Speaking about his personal life, Labuschagne said, “Faith has always played a big role in my life, doesn’t matter what circumstances it’s been in in the past. Being a Christian and growing up, I’ve had some really good role models in my life. Not only my parents but my parents-in-law and family and friends, I’ve been exposed to really good people. I look back on that, and it’s such a privilege. Now that things have changing, but I’ve always got these people who really care about me, who are in my corner at all times. It’s always played a big part and has actually played a bigger part in the last 18 months.“
“What is there? I’ve got great family and friends and in terms of people around me, my wife and spending time with her. We’ve got a very close family and extended friends. But in terms of other interests, I like rugby and watching tennis and golf and stuff but I’ve always just loved cricket. I love thinking about the game. When I’m at home, I actually like getting back to that entertainment part of that game. Always reigniting that how you used to think of the game when you were a kid and so on,” Labuschagne added.
It is very clear that Marnus Labuschagne is a man we won’t hear the end of for the next decade or so.
Also Read: India vs Australia: Steve Smith leaves training early due to back soreness
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Nevin Clinton
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