Two of Glamorgan’s overseas stars take on starring roles in the third edition of #GlamWinterWatch...
Marnus Labuschagne may have come out on the losing side in the epic Australia vs India Test series, but he can take plenty of pride in his performances having finished top of the run scoring charts across the four matches.
Labuschagne scored 426 runs across eight innings, with a top score of 108 and averaging over 53 across the series, as the world’s number four ranked Test batsman solidified his place at the vaunted first drop spot.
While both Steve Smith and Labuschagne scored a century and two half-centuries, Marnus still finished with over 100 runs more than his middle-order partner, with Smith comfortably the second highest scorer in the series.
Michael Neser remained stuck behind the pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, but will be hoping for an opportunity against South Africa later this month, as Langer mulls changes after a chastening home series and a first defeat at the Gabba in 32 years.
Staying in Australia but moving to one of the shortest formats of the game, Colin Ingram finished a ten-game stint with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League as his side’s second highest run scorer.
Striking 258 runs across 10 games at a strike rate of just under 130, Ingram floated between the three and five spots, with a middle order containing Dawid Malan, Tim David and Ben McDermott.
Ingram flew out of the blocks, gaining the ‘Golden Cap’ early in the tournament, and reached double figures in every innings throughout his stint with the Hurricanes.
The powerful left-hander will now spend some time in South Africa with his family before heading to Abu Dhabi for the T10 league, where he’ll play alongside skipper Kieron Pollard for the Deccan Gladiators.
Former Glamorgan loanee Samit Patel will play alongside Welsh Fire’s Tom Banton and Welsh-born Phil Salt for the Qalanders, with 2015 overseas player Wayne Parnell representing Northern Warriors.
Other former Glamorgan players in the Big Bash League:
- Usman Khawaja – 268 runs @ 26.80, 134 SR, HS 49
- Joe Burns – 115 runs @ 28.75, 132 SR, HS 52
- Shaun Marsh – 271 runs @ 30.11, 134 SR, HS 87
Over in Grade cricket, Nick Selman has scored over 500 runs for Sunshine Coast Scorchers in Queensland, with an average well over 65 and a high score of 172*. In the multi-day format of the game Selman’s 172*, a career-best in all senior cricket, has helped him amass just over 300 runs in that format, with 233 runs in the T20 game at an average of nearly 80. Batting at 3 in the shortest format, Selman has also captained the side throughout the season.
2020 overseas player Andy Balbirnie is currently out in the UAE captaining his Ireland side, with his charges drawing 1-1 with the hosts in a Covid-impacted series (originally set to be four ODIs) ahead of a three-match series against Afghanistan. ‘Balbo’ hit 53 from 61 balls in a six-wicket defeat in the opening game, followed up by three from 11 as he skippered the side to a dominant 112 run victory as Simi Singh had incredible figures of 10-4-10-5. The upcoming series against Afghanistan counts as part of the Cricket World Cup Super League, with both sides hoping for World Cup qualification points.
Back on home turf, Glamorgan’s squad have been ramping up their winter training after receiving dispensation from the government to continue their programme. Players time has mostly been spent at Sophia Gardens, with the ‘Pyramid Hygiene’ suite converted into a makeshift, socially distanced workout area. Alongside the traditional nets, although mostly in 1:1 situations with one of the coaching staff to minimise group size and the chance for any spread, the squad have been training at USW Sports Park on the FIFA-standard indoor 3G football pitch. The indoor grass area is the largest of its size in Wales, enabling the squad to work on fielding without fear of inclement weather or area restrictions.
In the next Winter Watch - more Big Bash action, Glamorgan pre-season training continues and the T10 wrap-up...