advertisement
Considered another Australian legend in making, young batsman Marnus Labuschagne is keen to test his skills against India, which he says is the toughest place to travel on a cricket assignment.
Labuschagne, 25, had a remarkable Test summer during which he scored four hundreds in five Tests, including a double century against New Zealand in the just-concluded third Test, which Australia won by 279 runs.
As the focus shifts from the red to white ball format, Labuchagne is gearing up for a tough test after being named in the Australian squad for the three-match series, starting 14 January in Mumbai.
"Whenever you play India, it's a tough series because they're a very tough opposition. They've got great batters and bowlers, so it's going to be a challenge," Labuschagne was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia website.
"But as a player you always want to test yourself against the best opposition in the toughest conditions, and there's nothing tougher than India in India," he said.
He has already drawn comparisons with these modern-day greats but Labuschagne played down the plaudits.
"For people to speak like that is amazing, but there's a lot more work to be done before anything like that can be talked about," he said.
Labuschagne, who toured India with an Australia A side in 2018, said he would pick brains of his teammates who have travelled to that country for IPL and many international tours.
"If I get an opportunity that'd be great. Luckily I have a wealth of experience there with Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith … to continue to learn from those guys is great," Marnus said.
Labuschagne said competing in Sydney where conditions favoured spinners was a good preparation before the India tour.
"I've got a lot of experience to lean on with guys who have played five, six, seven years of IPL and Test tours over there for Australia, so there's a lot to learn," he added.
The second match of the series will be played in Rajkot on 17 January while the third and final ODI will be played in Bengaluru on 19 January.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)