Test cricket in a great place: Marnus Labuschagne

With the iconic Lord’s set to host the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final beginning June 11, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has spoken about the state of Test cricket and has pointed out that it is a format that’s in a great place.

With Australia to face South Africa, Labuschagne’s country of birth, the right-hander is excited to guide his side to yet another title. Labuschagne believes the WTC’s two-year cycle has brought new energy into Test cricket by adding meaning to every match and series.

“It is an exciting tournament. It means every Test you play has something on it, it brings all the countries into play, and anyone can make the final. It’s exciting to play in, you’re playing for a trophy at the end of a two-year cycle. I think it has worked great. Two years ago, when we beat India, it was awesome. I’m looking at it from a player’s perspective and it looks like the game is in a great place," he said as quoted by The Tribune.

Australia, which lifted the WTC mace for the first time in 2023 after defeating India by 209 runs at The Oval, is now looking to defend it. Meanwhile, for Labuschagne, this format is not just about trophies but about raising the standards of the longest format. 

“Every time Test cricket is on, people want to watch it. India, Australia and England are probably carrying a bit of the load of Test cricket, but we really want to see all the countries keep producing great players and being part of upholding such an amazing tradition of Test cricket. I love playing with the guys here, they are close friends, and I love the environment at the club,” he added.

The 30-year-old enjoyed a stellar start to his Test career, including becoming the game’s first-ever concussion substitute during the 2019 Ashes at Lord’s, but his form in the current WTC cycle has seen a dip. He has averaged just 28.33 with a single century. 

“The benefit of having a relationship with the club for six years is that you have the perks of being able to call the director of cricket and say: ‘This is what it looks like, is there a chance we can line this up. Without that relationship, there might be some hesitancy, or you might not get someone in for two games. But that’s the benefit of the long-term commitment I have shown over the last six years," he further added.

Apart from Labuschagne, all-rounder Cameron Green and Beau Webster have also been featuring in England’s domestic circuit, with Green for Warwickshire and Webster for Gloucestershire. The trio is expected to make the most of their County experience in the upcoming final.