‘Can't wait for that challenge’ - Marnus Labuschagne on facing James Anderson with 'target on the back'

Aussie batting star Marnus Labuschagne is all set to face English veteran James Anderson in the upcoming Ashes 2021-22. The mother of all battles is barely a few days away and amidst all the hype, the preparations from both teams are already underway.

However, all eyes will be on Labuschagne, Australia’s No.3 batter. Ever since he replaced Steve Smith as a concussion substitute during the second Test of the Ashes 2019, he has never looked back by any means. The Queensland batter has been one of the best Aussie batters of late in the longest format.

As a matter of fact, he has had two successive Aussie summers where he has been able to pile runs for fun. However, with the English pace attack, it is a whole new challenge altogether for the youngster. If the Pat Cummins-led side are to keep the Urn in Australia, Labuschagne would have to be at his best.

‘I really can’t wait for that challenge to face Jimmy,’- Marnus Labuschagne on facing Anderson in the Ashes 2021-22

The 27-year-old sounded excited to face the English attack, led by the legendary pacer James Anderson. He spoke about how the English pacers might try to take a leaf out of India’s book and make an attempt to replicate their performances from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. “They certainly can try,” Labuschagne said on Friday from his local club Redlands in Brisbane.

“India are very used to bowling those plans, that comes second nature to them. Bowling straight on lower bouncing wickets, up and down where it’s reversing. In England, traditionally, they’re bowling a little bit wider. I can’t tell you what they’re going to bring, but I can just prepare for everything that might be thrown at me,” he added.

The batting all-rounder then spoke about his upcoming battle with the 39-year-old warhorse. “I really can’t wait for that challenge to face Jimmy, you don’t take that many wickets and be England’s best ever without being quality,” he said. The Brisbane star also praised his contemporaries, and threw light on his aim of replicating their success.

“I was lucky to get the opportunity in 2019 and go on with it, The target is on the back now. I’ve got great examples from this generation to look up to…Williamson, Smith, Root, Warner, Kohli…who consistently score runs,” he said. England are all set to face Australia in the first Ashes Test match of 2021-22 at the Gabba on December 8.