Marnus' SA diss

SOUTH Africa-born Marnus Labuschagne says Australia, India and England are “carrying a bit of the load of Test cricket”.

But he adds that they “really want to see all the countries keep producing great players and being part of upholding such an amazing tradition of Test cricket”. 

Speaking ahead of the start of Wednesday’s ICC Test Championship against South Africa’s Proteas, the 30-year-old Australian batsman, who was born in Klerksdorp before his family emigrated to Australia when he was 10 years old in 2004, says of the decider: “It is an exciting tournament. 

“It means every Test you play has something on it, it brings all the countries into play, and anyone can make the final.

“It’s exciting to play in, you’re playing for a trophy at the end of a two-year cycle. I think it has worked great. Two years ago, when we beat India, it was awesome.

“I’m looking at it from a player’s perspective and it looks like the game is in a great place.

“Every time Test cricket is on, people want to watch it. India, Australia and England are probably carrying a bit of the load of Test cricket, but we really want to see all the countries keep producing great players and being part of upholding such an amazing tradition of Test cricket.”

Of facing Temba Bavuma and his teammates, Labuschagne says: “South Africa have been a very good team in this cycle, on paper it’s a well-balanced side and they have some really nice players. 

“It will be a good challenge for us, and we are going to have to be on our game.

“Playing at Lord’s is always special with the history and what is involved with playing there. It’s going to be an awesome week and another great match.”