No substitute for class as Labuschagne issues World Cup reminder
Cricket
Labuschagne was surprisingly left out of Australia's World Cup squad earlier this month
(Web Desk) - Marnus Labuschagne issued a timely reminder to selectors on the eve of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup with a Player of the Match performance after coming on as a substitute player during Australia's three-wicket victory over South Africa in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Labuschagne was surprisingly left out of Australia's World Cup squad earlier this month and the experienced right-hander only got his chance to show his wares in the XI for the first ODI against the Proteas when teammate Cameron Green was concussed after being hit on the helmet by Kagiso Rabada.
But Labuschagne showed his class and perhaps proved he is first in line should any of Australia's batters pick up an injury prior or during the World Cup by producing a superb unbeaten knock of 80* to guide his side to victory.
It wasn't the first time Labuschagne has come on as a substitute player - he performed this role with aplomb when replacing Steve Smith during the second Ashes Test against England in 2019 - and the 29-year-old said he always prepares for each match as if he is going to be playing.
"It comes (down) to your training, I always pride myself on training well, and making sure I'm always ready," Labuschagne said after he combined with Ashton Agar (48*) to put on 112 runs for the eighth-wicket to guide Australia to the win.
"The opportunity that happens when you're a concussion sub is sometimes a little bit of a free hit because the pressure of the game is out there but obviously the expectation is probably not as much on you."
While Labuschagne is still hoping he can play a part in Australia's World Cup campaign in India, he knows a lack of runs in 50-over cricket gave selectors no option but to leave him out of their initial plans.
"I have been really disappointed with how I've played my one-day cricket, the last 10 to 12 games I felt like I haven't shown the intensity and the courage that I would have liked," Labuschagne said.
"I wasn't too shocked when I when I was dropped, I said that to the selectors (that) 'I understand, I haven't made runs'.
"When I came back from the Ashes, I went back to the drawing board and really thought about what I wanted to improve in my one-day game.
"I still want to be that person batting in the middle-order, and you've just got to sit tight and wait for your opportunity and when it comes, you've got to be ready."
Captain Temba Bavuma (114*) had earlier carried his bat to help South Africa post 222 and the hosts looked to be in control when they reduced Australia to 113/7 in reply.
But Labuschagne and Agar batted cleverly to guide Australia home and ensure they drew first blood in the five-match series.
