Mark Waugh rates Marnus Labuschagne as the best current batsman in the world

Marnus Labuschagne has had one of the most successful Australian summers in the recent past. Since becoming the first-ever concussion substitute at Lord’s, Labuschagne has come a long way. The current No. 3 batsman in the ICC Test rankings has got the world talking about him.

The 25-year-old, was the highest run-getter in tests in 2018. Marnus started 2020 with a bang, as he scored his maiden double century against New Zealand at the SCG. Meanwhile, former Australian skipper Mark Waugh has rated him as the best batsman in the world currently.

Marnus Labuschagne who is all set to make his ODI debut against India in the 3 match series, will look to stamp his authority in the 50 over format as well. Waugh stated that there is no reason why he cannot continue his form in the white-ball format.

‘Marnus Labuschagne is going to get tested in India’: Mark Waugh

Mark Waugh, in his recent interview with Sydney Morning Herald, was quoted saying- “He is probably the number one batsman in world cricket, albeit in test format but I think he can carry his form in the white-ball format as well. I think he should bat in top 4, with Finch and Warner opening, Smith at 3 and Labhushagne at 4”.

Playing in India against the spinners is always a challenge, but Waugh reckons Labuschagne has the potential to be successful batting at number 4. “He is going to get tested by the spin of India, by the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja. But as a batsman being in form is exactly, what you need when going to India. I think he will go well,” he added.

The Australian right-handed batsman, so far in his Test Career, has slammed 1459 runs at an average of more than 63 runs. He was the highest run-getter against Pakistan with 549 runs in the recently concluded test series and continued his rich vein of form against New Zealand.

Australian ODI squad: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, David Warner, Marnus Labhuschgne, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Peter Handscomb, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazelwood.

The ODI series between India and Australia is all set to begin on 14 January with the first match scheduled to be played at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

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