Marnus Labuschagne could be considered a specialist concussion substitute, but the way he’s capitalised on the opportunities he’s been given and the mentality with which he’s approached each situation show it’s not all destiny at work, writes Sarah Waris.
The international stage first glimpsed Marnus Labuschagne in 2014. He was called up to Australia’s Test squad during their series against India, effecting his first international wicket on day two at the Gabba. He took a brilliant catch off Nathan Lyon to dismiss Varun Aaron as a sub-fielder.
Over the next nine years, much like in his first impromptu appearance on in international cricket, he went on to make the most of a slew of eerie coincidences and unconventional call-ups. Through this, he emerged from being the spare cover, to one of the first names on Australia’s team sheet.
“Karm karo aur phal ki chinta mat karo [Focus on hard work and do not worry about the results]”: The Bhagvad Gita, a holy scripture for the Hindus.
Labuschange’s career resonates with the above saying, with openings presenting themselves to him when they were least expected. That’s not to confuse Labuschagne’s ascension as luck, the runs he’s scored in the process are enough to prove that.
In 2018 Labuschagne made his debut for Australia A after a stunning Sheffield Shield season in 2017. He made 795 runs in that season, helping Queensland to win their first tile in six years. Playing in a Quadrangular series in Bengaluru against South Africa, he forged a formidable opening partnership with Travis Head to set up the first win for Australia A on the tour. It didn’t take long after that for Labuschagne to find himself in Australia’s Test side, this time against Pakistan in the UAE. But even so, his chances of a debut looked slim with a settled middle order.
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But, in an otherwise unfortunate turn of events, Matthew Renshaw suffered a concussion in the warm-up game, and Labuschagne was the one chosen to replace him. He started off shakily with the bat, and registered a duck in his first innings. But, in the second Test and facing Yasir Shah, he played with increased conviction. He was the most impressive Australia batter in the game – losing his wicket to an unfortunate runout in the first innings and a controversial catch in the second.
What also stood out was the effectiveness of his leg-spin, helping him briefly overshadow Nathan Lyon. The impression he made ensured he was picked halfway through Australia’s series against India the following year. He bowled 16 overs in the fourth Test at Sydney, but has been a sporadic presence with the ball in hand since then, his batting taking precedence.
He went on to make his maiden fifty against Sri Lanka in January 2019, once again combining with Head to keep the hosts in control of the Test. But with Steve Smith returning from his one-year ban for the Ashes, his future was unclear.
In July 2019 Labuschagne was the only batter to pass 30 in Australia’s lone warm-up game ahead of the Ashes in England. That innings kept him in the reckoning for the series, but with David Warner and Smith now back in the XI, chances of a spot for Labuschagne were slim. But a few weeks later he became the first-ever concussion substitute in Test cricket after Smith was felled by a ferocious Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s.
That incident was the springboard for everything Labuschagne has achieved since. He is an integral part of Australia’s side, having been ranked the No.1 Test batter in the world this year. He has also broken a number of records in his 43 Tests. But the start of his career, which coincided with Covid-19, meant the majority of those matches have been played at home. It’s a quirk of his career that’s left him with a lop-sided overseas record, despite his impressive home stats.
His fielding debut-cameo, Test debut and Ashes debut all came as cover for a regular member of the side. While his level of talent makes it doubtful that without those openings he would be where he is, he’s capitalised on his opportunities more than most.
Now, in 2023, another potential debut awaits following an uncanny repetition. Not picked in the 15-member squad for the World Cup squad, Labuschagne played a lone hand in a run chase of 223 in the first ODI against South Africa. He was brought in as a concussion substitute once again – this time for Cameron Green. Labuschagne anchored the innings, scoring an unbeaten 80 to stake a claim as a last minute addition to the World Cup squad.
That knock came against the grain of Labuschagne’s dismal ODI record. He boasts one hundred from the 31 matches he’s played – that coming over three years ago. While he may still struggle for a place in a squad packed with all rounders and not short on batting depth, the doors have opened for him in the same manner as before.
There’s also a mental tenacity to what Labuschagne has achieved. He’s kept his head in the game and been ready to walk out at any moment. He’s not shied away despite limited match practice, or been caught up in often frenetic scenarios. The unconventional opportunities he’s been given have provided him with a platform, but it’s credit to the talent and hard work of the player that he’s been able to capitalise.
