Ashes: Captain or not, Marnus Labuschagne ready to lead Australia

Marnus Labuschagne said that he does not need to hold a title to lead Australia. His statement comes as the Kangaroos underwent a change in leadership, Pat Cummins replacing Tim Paine as skipper and Steve Smith being named his deputy. Australia are set to host Joe Root’s England for the Ashes starting from December 8. 

Also read: Ashes: Australia’s Alex Carey ‘feeling the love’ ahead of Test debut at Gabba

Labuschagne was one of the candidates to take over Australia’s leadership following Tim Paine’s resignation over the ‘sexting’ scandal. Several pundits and experts had made a case for the 27-year-old but he was not offered an interview by a Cricket Australia panel. 

“No, I wasn’t disappointed,” Labuschagne told reporters on Friday. He added that he is happy to focus on scoring big runs against England.

Also read: Day-night Ashes Test would make for a unique series: England’s Jos Buttler

Talking about the leadership team – Cummins and Smith – Labuschagne said, “I think there are two very good leaders and very good candidates. (Cummins) is going to do a fabulous job and he’s got plenty of support with Steve as his vice-captain and all the senior players of the group.”

“My job right now is to concentrate on scoring runs consistently for Australia and I’m happy for that to be my role for now. You don’t need the title to still be a leader in the group.”

Marnus Labuschagne is 18 Tests old. He came on to scene two years ago when Joe Root and co hosted the Ashes. Since then, the Brisbane Heat batsman has cemented his place as No 3, averaging more than 60. 

Also read: Australia captain Pat Cummins wants to ‘concentrate on Test cricket’

“The target is on your back now that you’re scoring runs and that you’re a main part of that team,” said Labuschagne.

Australia squad for 1st and 2nd Test: Pat Cummins (C), Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner