Labuschagne hoping for another surprise

Marnus Labuschagne is making a habit of surprising people.

Known chiefly as the sub-fielder who took that short-leg catch at the Gabba in 2014, the South African-born batsman now has a Baggy Green within his grasp after bolting into Australia's Test squad to face Pakistan earlier this month.

That came after impressing on the 'A' tour of India where he made his international debut against his former countrymen in a one-day game in Bengaluru.

And while South Africa A were seemingly aware of the presence of a Protea in their opposition's ranks, they clearly didn't know what he looked like.

"I was in the gym one day and two of the (SA A) guys were actually talking about me in Afrikaans," Labuschagne told cricket.com.au in Dubai. 

"They didn't obviously know who I was and that I could speak Afrikaans. 

"I overheard them and had a chuckle to myself. I actually introduced myself to them in Afrikaans about five minutes later. It was pretty comical.

"They were a little bit (taken) aback but it was pretty friendly banter."

With the South Africans warning each other to not "speak in Afrikaans because he'll understand" while he batted, Labuschagne struck a fluent 65 against them before following up with another half-century in a four-day game against India A.

"It was great to get an opportunity there and perform," he said of the ‘A’ tour. "It was touching to play against South Africa as well. It was very exciting and I was glad to be in Australian colours."

Labuschagne was born in Klerksdorp, 130 kilometres southwest of Johannesburg, and had to learn English from scratch when he moved to Brisbane as a 10-year-old with his family.

Fast learning is a trait that the 24-year-old and the rest of Australia's depleted batting group will need in the coming weeks; only one member of the 15-player Test squad for the UAE has scored a Test ton in Asia (Shaun Marsh) and the team’s two most prolific batsmen in Steve Smith and David Warner are absent.

Labuschagne had a lengthy one-on-one stint with coach Justin Langer in the nets on Monday, a sign he’s firmly in consideration for a debut in the series-opener on October 7.

 Image Id: 4435DA94CCC24E62B79B736164B8D926 Image Caption: Marnus Labuschagne working with Justin Langer

"We were just talking yesterday about cover driving and just about getting a nice stable step to the ball and being nice and balanced," he said of his session with Langer. 

"It was really good to work with JL and work on something specific. I love growing, I love learning about the game and improving."

Labuschagne and fellow uncapped batters Aaron Finch and Travis Head appear to be jostling for two spots in the top order and the Queenslander says he's happy to slot in wherever required.

But he admits a spot in the middle order would appear the more likely route into the side: "At the moment, that's probably what it does look like," said Labuschagne, the Sheffield Shield's second-leading run-scorer last summer behind Matthew Renshaw.

"I've batted everywhere, I opened at the start of my career in Shield cricket, I've batted three and four for the last few years for Queensland. Wherever I'm needed I'll fit in."

In his favour is his status as the squad’s only wrist-spinner as well as his reputation as a short-leg specialist.

"I've been working really hard on my bowling and trying to improve as much as I can working a lot with Sri (spin consultatnt Sridharan Sriram)," Labuschagne continued. 

"I'm trying to do my best in every facet of the game and if that means I get the nod, then great."

Qantas Tour of the UAE

Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (c), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc

Sep 29 - Oct 2: Tour match v Pak A, Dubai

Oct 7-11: First Test, Dubai

Oct 16-20: Second Test, Abu Dhabi