Australia’s Labuschagne ‘very disappointed’ at missing County Cricket

Marnus Labuschagne said he is “very disappointed” at not being able to follow-up on his phenomenal debut County Cricket season.
The 25-year-old excelled with Glamorgan last season, scoring 1,114 County Championship runs in 18 innings at an average of 65 and also claimed 19 wickets with his leg-spin.
Labuschagne’s form saw him earn a call-up to Australia’s Ashes side and the now world number three batsman heads the new names on Cricket Australia’s (CA) 2020-21 contracted player list.
Asked by the PA news agency about the English domestic season which has been put back due to coronavirus, he said: “It was so important for me to go over there last year, and to continue to go over there.
“I really enjoy it and for me it’s about continuing to grow and learn the art of batting.
“I’m actually very disappointed that I can’t be over there playing for Glamorgan. I really enjoyed my time last year, everything about it.”
Last season, he struck five centuries, including a career-best 182 against Sussex, and hit a pair of tons against Worcestershire – making him the first Glamorgan player to achieve the feat since 2005.
Labuschagne and compatriots Nathan Lyon, Peter Handscomb and Michael Neser were due to play in the County Championship this season, with the South Africa-native praising benefits of the English game.
Speaking at an online press conference, he said: “There’s no better place to learn your game and learn how to play in different conditions than going over and playing County Cricket.
“I loved the coaches, I loved the players. It’s quite tough to see the organisation there going through this tough time.
“I’ve been staying in contact with everyone there so I hope the best for them and hope there’s some cricket played in County Cricket because we really hope there is some cricket played in England this year.”
Thought that we had to give this one a try… tough to tell who is enjoying the backyard trainings more 🤔🐶 #StayHome #StaySafe #milo pic.twitter.com/CJL2vt2Fyz
— Marnus Labuschagne (@marnus3cricket) April 14, 2020
Following on from his exploits in Cardiff, he became the first Test cricket concussion substitute when he replaced Steve Smith on the fifth day at Lord’s.
He went on to score four half-centuries on his way to becoming Australia’s second highest run scorer of the series, with 353 runs and an average of more than 50.
Impressive knocks of 185 against Pakistan and 215 against New Zealand saw him named Australia’s Test player of the year in February.
Labuschagne re-signed as Glamorgan’s overseas player for the 2020 and 2021 seasons in a deal announced in November.
Latest
-
News
England paceman James Anderson keen to prove fitness ahead of India Test
The 39-year-old sat out the final match against New Zealand at Headingley due to concerns over his left ankle but says it now feels “pretty good”.
-
News
Andrew Gale ‘not willing to engage’ in ‘tainted’ ECB racism disciplinary process
Gale denied Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against him and described him as an “embittered former colleague”.
-
News
Andrew Gale will not engage with ECB disciplinary process over racism claims
Gale was sacked by Yorkshire last year but earlier this month won an unfair dismissal claim against the club.
-
News
Michael Vaughan ‘steps back’ from BBC work after staff raise concerns
The former England captain had recently returned to Test Match Special coverage.
-
News
Simon Harmer bowls Essex to thrilling win while Surrey dominate Kent
Spinner Harmer took 15 wickets in the match as his side held off Hampshire by 12 runs.
-
News
Sciver stars and Davidson-Richards makes history – day two in the women’s Test
The England pair’s maiden Test centuries took their side past South Africa’s total at Taunton.
-
News
Alice Davidson-Richards savours debut century as England take upper hand
The all-rounder joined only WG Grace with a hundred and a wicket on Test debut for England.
-
News
Sciver and Davidson-Richards hit maiden Test centuries to put England on top
The home side had struggled to 121 for five before the pair began their rescue act.
-
News
Eoin Morgan – On leadership, that Lord’s final and letting go
Morgan has announced his international retirement.
-
News
Eoin Morgan steps away rather than feel ‘like an imposter’ for England
The World Cup-winning captain has struggled for form and fitness in recent months.