AUS vs PAK | Marnus Labuschagne is the best newcomer alongside Mayank Agarwal, says Michael Vaughan
England great Michael Vaughan has hailed Marnus Labuschagne as the best new batsmen in world cricket alongside India’s Mayank Agarwal, after the Australian notched his maiden Test century at the Gabba. Labuschagne’s 185 helped Australia post 580 in their first innings against Pakistan.
Ever since Labuschagne was roped in as the first-ever concussion substitute for Steve Smith during the Ashes earlier this year, his fortunes have changed. Batting at No.3, he has become the most reliable batsman for the Aussies after Smith himself.
However, coming into the Gabba Test, the 25-year-old was yet to register a century across his first nine Tests. And in front of his home crowd on Saturday, Labuschagne filled that gap on his CV, much to Vaughan’s appreciation.
“He’s clearly driven, he loves the game and I think he’s going to get many Test hundreds. That’s a big stamp of approval, he’s got a Test match century, can’t take that away. That’s with him forever now. It means so much. Getting your cap is great, the first first-class hundred is good, getting your first international cap is monstrous but as a batsman your currency is hundreds. That’s what you’re judged on. As long as he stays level, stays humble, keeps working, I think we’ll be talking to him a lot for the next few years. He’s the best new batsman in Test cricket alongside India’s Mayank Agarwal,” Vaughan told Fox Sports Australia.
The former England skipper further pointed out how Labuschagne’s game came on leaps and bounds after a stint with Glamorgan in county cricket.
“Going to county cricket can be the defining factor for players. A lot of Australian players have been in county cricket and they know that if they don’t have a strong technique to be able to cover the moving ball or you don’t have good balance to be able to access both sides of the wicket you’ll struggle,” Vaughan said.
“What he’s done is delivered a movement and a trigger that gives him great balance to go forward or back gives him that extra bit of time to wait for the ball because he’s already in position and he’s got access to both sides of the ground. That’s the basics of being a very good player,” Vaughan added.