From a contest point of view, it has been a disappointing Summer for cricket fans. This with Australia facing little resistance from Pakistan and New Zealand in the five tests played on Australian soil.

Marnus Labuschagne

What we have witnessed is Marnus Labuschagne’s star continues to rise with the 25-year-old firmly establishing himself as one of the premier batsmen in the game.

Labuschagne finished the summer at test level scoring a remarkable 896 runs littered with centuries and finishing 2019 with the most test runs for the year scored of any player in world cricket at a remarkable average of 64.94

I didn’t see it coming

The Australian cricket selectors have often had to endure plenty of criticism. The initial selection of the right-handed batsman into the Australian squad was one such selection that left many of us scratching our heads.

Embed from Getty Images

I just did not see an International cricketer. At Shield level Labuschagne had shown glimpses. But a modest return of runs and the occasional wicket bowling leg-breaks did not make a compelling case for a call up.

After having a taste at International level against Pakistan in October 2018 the right-hander was quickly back playing his trade at domestic level.

Like many pundits, I was convinced it would be some time until we saw Labuschagne back in the frame for test selection again.

Firmly entrenched

It is remarkable to think how quickly Labuschagne has gone from fringe player to one of the first names picked in the test team.

Embed from Getty Images

The 25-year-old only getting his last chance by replacing Steve Smith as a concussion substitute during the Ashes. He has been a mainstay in the team ever since.

It was impossible to ignore this form in the last 12 months. Labuschagne was rightly rewarded last month with a call up to the Australian One Day squad.

The Aussies will travel to India for a three-game series that begins next week. (January 14)

Australian coach Justin Langer confident his in-form batsman will continue to flourish in the one-day game.

Embed from Getty Images

“He’s done so well, he’s given us some ammunition to select him, but he also fits one of those roles we’re looking for; a middle-order batsman that runs hard, plays spin well, is very fit, gun fielder, bowls a few leggies”

That’s a great package for one-day cricket.”

Playing India in Mumbai is certainly one of the toughest challenges in the game. Based on recent performances we can be confident the runs will continue to flow for Marnus.

by Liam Sheedy – contributor

Follow on Facebook: Sheedy Says