Without any arguments, the by-gone home season of Australian cricket belonged to none other than Marnus Labuschagne.
Since making his debut during a turbulent time in the Australian batting order in the home series against India in 2019, Labushagne amassed almost 1500 runs at an astounding average of above 63 in Test cricket.
The enchanting stroke maker already has four tons to his name, with the highest score of 215 against New Zealand in the Sydney Test.
Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar heaped the ultimate praise for the 25-year-old by claiming that he sees a reflection of himself in the latter’s batting approach. Tendulkar is currently in Sydney, Australia, to feature in the Bushfire Relief match between Ponting XI and Gilchrist XI.
In a press conference, when asked about any modern batsman who reminded him of himself, Sachin was quick to name Labuschagne. “His footwork was incredible, so he would be the one I would say,” claimed Tendulkar, according to Fox Sports.
“I saw Marnus getting hit (on the helmet by) the second ball he faced from Jofra Archer and post that, the 15 minutes he batted I said ‘this player looks special, there is something about him,’” continued the Master Blaster.
The Queenslander, in his very first match against India in Sydney, looked a class apart with the entire batting order falling apart at the other end, in the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner.
His purple patch in the home season enabled him to earn his Australian cap even in the ODIs. The South African born cricketer never looked out of place in his debut series against India, scoring his maiden half-century at Bengaluru.
“His footwork was precise, and footwork is not physical, it’s mental. If you’re not thinking positively in your mind, then your feet don’t move. “So that clearly indicated to me that this guy is mentally strong,” concluded Sachin.
