Jasprit Bumrah is ‘leader of the attack’, best of them all, admits Marnus Labuschagne

South-Africa born Marnus Labuschagne, who made his Test debut in 2018, made a name for himself only after making a comeback during 2019 Ashes as Steve Smith’s concussion substitute at Lord’s. So far Labuschagne has amassed 1459 runs at 63.4 average in just 14 Tests. With Team India scheduled to travel down under later October for three-match T20I series, followed by four Tests and 3 ODIs, the Queenslander would sure be key to the Kangaroos chances of regaining supremacy. 

During that tour, Labuschagne will face Bumrah only for the 2nd time in Tests. The Aussie cricketer admitted that it will be challenging for the hosts against the Indian pace unit, led by ‘leader of the attack’ Jasprit Bumrah.

“They are all good bowlers but it is hard to get past Jasprit Bumrah. He has the ability to consistently bowl around 140 kmph and swing the ball when conditions are suitable. He is also able to angle the ball back in at the stumps. You always want to test yourself against the best. Jasprit is probably the leader of that attack,” Bumrah told PTI in an exclusive interview from Brisbane.

Labuschagne, who played on Test against India in Sydney in January 2019, also praised seasoned pacer Ishant Sharma for his recent form.

“Ishant has been very good during the last couple of years. Coming over here and angling the ball back into right handers, that would be a good challenge for us also. I have played one Test against India in Sydney. I have a bit of experience of facing their attack in that Test and later when I came to India for white-ball series,” he added.

“Naturally, when you do well, then people start picking your game, working on how you play. So, I have to make sure that I understand my game well, so when Indian bowlers come at me, I have to ensure that I am one step ahead.”