Australian International cricketer and current World Cup Champion, Marnus Labuschagne is back at Glamorgan for the 2024 Vitality County Championship season marking his sixth year with the team.
He has played 26 games in the County Championship for the Welsh county, scoring 2,221 runs with an average of 55.53, including 8 centuries and 11 half-centuries. Labuschagne shared his excitement about returning to Sophia Gardens and his affection for Wales.
Q: How does it feel to be returning to Glamorgan for another season of county cricket?
Marnus: It’s always exciting to be back here in Cardiff at Sophia Gardens. It’s sort of my second home now.
I’ve come back for the sixth year playing for Glamorgan. I absolutely love it. I love the people, I love the county and I love Wales. So, it’s always nice to be back and excited for the week ahead.
Q: What do you think are the strengths of the Glamorgan squad this year, and how do you see yourself contributing?
Marnus: I think what’s been really impressive this year is that we have been able to find ourselves near the top of the points table. Our batters have been playing really well, and then last game Mir played beautifully and got on top with the ball, and we got the win which is really nice.
I think it’s been a great collective effort again from the batting group with Colin, Sam and Kiran leading the way and batting beautifully and the same with Cookey down the order.
For me to come in and help us to win games, and I don’t know what that looks like yet, but obviously scoring runs. It’s just trying to find ways to help us win games and if we can win some games leading into the Blast that’s going to be very exciting.
Q: Can you share some insights into your preparations leading up to the season?
Marnus: Yes, I had a little bit more time off. I spent time with my family at home which was a nice break then sort of got into it last month just at home, me and Michael Neser. We’ve been training at home on some turf wickets so that’s been a nice challenge. That’s been my practice and a bit more in the nets.
Q: Outside of cricket, what do you enjoy most about being in Wales?
Marnus: I love the atmosphere. I love the slightly colder conditions. There are some really nice cafes here in Pontcanna, so I love going there on my days off and hopefully playing some golf as well.