Marnus Labuschagne is an Australian top-order batter who has built his career on concentration, strong back-foot play and a restless, fidgety approach at the crease. Born in South Africa and raised in Queensland, he has played Test and one-day cricket for Australia since 2018 and is part of the side that won the World Test Championship in the 2021-2023 cycle and the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Early life and rise
Labuschagne was born on 22 June 1994 in Klerksdorp, South Africa. His family moved to Australia when he was a boy and settled in Brisbane, and he came through the Queensland system. He made his first-class debut for Queensland in the 2014-15 season and played for the Bulls in the 2016 one-day cup. His run-scoring in the Sheffield Shield helped him earn a place in Australia's Test squad.
He made his Test debut on 7 October 2018 against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, wearing Test cap number 455. He scored his first Test century, 185, against Pakistan at the Gabba in November 2019, and followed it with 215 against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2020, his first double-century.
Playing style
Labuschagne is a right-handed batter who is happiest when playing straight and off the back foot. He is a restless presence between deliveries, often adjusting his gloves, and is known for working hard at his defence. He also bowls occasional leg-breaks and medium pace, and he is an energetic fielder.
Career highlights
Labuschagne was named in the ICC Test Team of the Year in 2019, 2021 and 2022, and was ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year in 2019. He won the Shane Warne Men's Test Player of the Year award for 2020. He has also played an important part in white-ball cricket: he made a half-century in the 2023 World Cup final against India, which Australia won.
For Queensland, whom he captains, he made 192 in the 2020-21 Sheffield Shield final. In franchise cricket he has played for Brisbane Heat, Glamorgan and Hyderabad Kingsmen.
2025-26
In October 2025 he scored two Sheffield Shield centuries, 160 and 159. He played all five Tests of the 2025-26 Ashes against England, scoring 259 runs at an average of 28.77 with two half-centuries, and took two catches in the third Test in Adelaide as Australia won the match and clinched the series.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Marnus Labuschagne born?
In Klerksdorp, South Africa, on 22 June 1994. He moved to Australia as a child and grew up in Brisbane.
When did Marnus Labuschagne debut for Australia?
He made his Test debut on 7 October 2018 against Pakistan in the UAE.
What is his highest Test score?
215, scored against New Zealand at the SCG in January 2020.