Test cricket is being carried by England, Australia, and India: Marnus Labuschagne

As his Australia team attempts to retain their title in the ICC World Test Championship Final, Marnus Labuschagne thinks Test cricket is in a “great place.”

Marnus Labuschagne was a member of the team that won the trophy for the first time in 2023 at The Oval after defeating India by 209 runs.

At the end of the third edition of a competition that the batter believes has helped revitalise the game’s oldest format, they now play South Africa, the nation where  Marnus Labuschagne was born.

He declared, “It’s an exciting tournament.” It implies that every Test you play has a purpose, that all nations are involved, and that everyone can advance to the championship game. Playing for a trophy at the conclusion of a two-year cycle makes it an exciting experience. It has, I believe, been very successful. It was fantastic when we defeated India two years ago.

“From a player’s point of view, it appears that the game is doing really well. People want to watch Test cricket whenever it’s on. We sincerely hope that all of the nations continue to produce outstanding players and contribute to maintaining the beautiful tradition of Test cricket, even though India, Australia, and England are likely bearing a portion of the burden.

Since being Test cricket’s first-ever concussion substitute at Lord’s, the site of the impending final, in the 2019 Ashes,  Marnus Labuschagne has been a lock to be in Australia’s top order.

He was the world’s top-ranked Test batsman for six months starting in December 2021, with an average of 63.43 after 14 Tests.

However, he only has one century and averages 28.33 in the current WTC cycle, since runs have become more difficult to come by lately.

But with scores of 64 in Adelaide and 70 and 72 in Melbourne against India during the Australian summer, he made significant contributions. In his most recent tenure with Glamorgan, which has become a second home, he has been adjusting to British circumstances.

He remarked, “I love the atmosphere at the club, and I love playing with the guys here. They are close friends.”

Being able to call the director of cricket and ask, “This is what it looks like, is there a chance we can line this up?” is one advantage of having a six-year relationship with the club.

“There might be some reluctance or you might not get someone in for two games without that relationship. However, that is the advantage of my sustained dedication over the previous six years.

Marnus Labuschagne is not the only Australian making an impression in the County Championship; all-rounder Beau Webster is making an impression with Warwickshire, and Cameron Green, who is back to full fitness, is among Gloucestershire’s runs.

Greeny is doing great, according to  Marnus Labuschagne, who chatted with him last week.

After spending so much time away from the park, I believe he is simply relishing his return to play and be there.

“I haven’t talked to Beau much, but I’m confident that we will get back together in the coming week or so, return to the golf course, and have a little conversation before preparing for the final.

“County cricket simply helps you because you are playing games, you are in that competitive mindset, and you are able to regain that mentality.”

“It can feel like a lot to get everything together and do it perfect in the first inning of a one-off game. Personally, I think it’s better to have some time to prepare before a huge game like this.

Australia’s selectors are faced with a conundrum about the composition of their batting order due to Green’s return to fitness and form; there is conjecture that Labuschagne would be promoted from his customary position at number three to open.

The travelling team also includes teenage opener Sam Konstas, who hit a half-century off 52 balls on his debut against India in December.  Marnus Labuschagne is eager to watch how the newest player from the Australian ranks progresses.

“We haven’t seen the best of him by any means,” he remarked, acknowledging that he is a highly gifted player.

He is someone we are investing in, and he has time. He is a very excellent player who will have a very nice career, but you can never anticipate what the future will bring.

The last time Australia played South Africa in a Test series was in 2022–2023, and the home team won 2-0.

Marnus Labuschagne is adamant about leaving London with the cutlery that is at stake in the most recent installment.

“South Africa has been a very good team this cycle; they have some really nice players and are a well-balanced team on paper,” he remarked.

We will have to be at the top of our game, and it will be a good challenge.

Because of the venue’s history and associated activities, playing at Lord’s is always unique. This week will be fantastic, and there will be another fantastic contest.