I loved my time with Glamorgan – Labuschagne

New overseas signing Marnus Labuschagne has praised his Glamorgan coaches and teammates and has named them as a major factor for his decision to return to the club.

The Australian all-rounder, who has signed a two-year deal with the club, was particularly effusive about the work of Matt Maynard who recently signed a three-year deal with the club to remain as head coach.

“There was a bit of interest (from other counties) but there wasn’t really much to consider, I loved my time with Glamorgan, I loved the coach and the system, and I really enjoyed working with the guys there,” said Labuschagne.

“Matt Maynard staying on for another three years is great, I loved working with him and I learned a lot from him as coach, so it’s exciting for me to sign up for another two years.”

Labushagne’s form for the Welsh county in the early part of the summer, where he amassed over 1,000 County Championship runs, saw him called into the Australian Test squad.

The Australian all-rounder enjoyed a breakthrough summer on the international stage and he partly put down his success to his stint with the club.

“I’d played a few Tests before but the Ashes was a big difference, to play a role in such a big series is amazing. Everything I learned and took from Glamorgan, I was able to put into action in that series,” added Labuschagne.

“It’s not something you want to see, but coming in as a concussion sub was nice because I didn’t have much time to think about, I was straight in there and that was probably to my benefit.

Glamorgan finished just outside the promotion places in the County Championship this season but Labuschagne is confident the Welsh county can improve on this year’s campaign and reach Division One for the first time since 2005.

“It’s about starting the season like we did last year, putting performances on the board and being consistent.

“To say ‘yes we’re going to be promoted’, we need to make we’re playing good cricket consistently and having everyone contribute - if we do those things then absolutely I think we can get promoted.

“T20 is something I really want to get better at, but I haven’t had the time in the game to sign to play all the formats (previously), so to be available to play Twenty20 is exciting.”