Australian middle-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne will make his debut as senior captain of a new-look Queensland Bulls team in a Marsh Cup match. Marnus Labuschagne will have the opportunity to showcase his leadership skills against South Australia.

Marnus Labuschagne has been named captain for Queensland’s final Marsh Cup match in the absence of Usman Khawaja and Jimmy Peirson, who is sidelined with a knee problem. The Bulls will face South Australia at Adelaide’s Karen Rolton Oval on Wednesday.

Labuschagne debuted for the Bulls in 2014 and will captain a Queensland team for the first time since his under-19 days. The team consists of Australian cricketers Ben McDermott, Matthew Kuhnemann, Gurinder Sandhu, Mitchell Swepson and Matthew Renshaw.

The No.3 batsman endured a challenging run of form during the Australian summer. The 29-year-old batsman struggled against the West Indies, recording scores of 10, 1*, 3 and 5 in the two Tests. He scored 26 runs in the only innings during the ODI series against the Windies.

I also told Marnus Labuschagne – Steve Smith

Steve Smith acknowledged that Marnus Labuschagne may not have achieved the desired results in the Test series but highlighted his potential as a skilled player. Smith advised Labuschagne to focus on the basics and trust his instincts while he batted in games.

“I think he’ll be the first to admit that he probably doesn’t have the scores on the board that he would have liked, but I think he feels like he’s hitting well and we know what a good player he is.” Smith said.

“I think as hitters we’re always looking for that perfection and sometimes when you try too hard, you push it a little further away. He’s definitely a thinker, sometimes maybe an overthinker, something I’ve said to him as well.”

Marnus Labuschagne named in Australia Test squad for New Zealand tour

Cricket Australia (CA) recently named a 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand in away conditions. Marnus Labuschagne secured his place in the team despite his disappointing performances in red-ball cricket of late.

The opening Test will begin in Wellington on February 29, followed by the second match in Christchurch on March 8. This is Australia’s first tour to New Zealand since 2016. The two teams will take part in a three-match T20I series before the red. ball games.

Following Lance Morris’ side strain during the West Indies ODI, all-rounder Michael Neser has returned to the Australia team. Neser is the only change from the previous Test team and will serve as a backup pacer alongside Scott Boland for the upcoming tour.

Australia’s squad to face New Zealand: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc.

Also Read: Watch: Marnus Labuschagne takes sensational aerial catch as Lance Morris claims first international wicket during AUS vs WI 3rd ODI