Marnus and Bek Labuschagne on the thing they fight most about

Aussie Test cricket star Marnus Labuschagne has opened up about his most annoying habit.

Marnus and Bek Labuschagne and daughter Hallie with newborn Judah

Marnus and Bek Labuschagne were friends growing up and are now proud parents who have found a way to navigate cricket’s global commitments as a family.

We dive into how the Australian cricketer, 30, and his partner Bek, 28, make their relationship work and how they’re stronger than ever as they raise their young family with kids Hallie, two, and Judah, two months old.

Marnus and Bek Labuschagne and daughter Hallie with newborn Judah

Marnus

How did you meet? We met at church. I’m best friends with Bek’s brother, Matt, and we all used to hang out together in a big group of friends.

What was the first thing you noticed about her?Bek was fun and always up for a laugh, but also strong, independent and mature. She carried herself with confidence and I noticed that straight away.

When did you first know it was love? When Matt went away for a month, but I still kept turning up at Bek’s house. That was a bit of a giveaway for me and, probably, for everyone else too.

What was your most standout date? The night I proposed to Bek. I got Indian takeaway from our favourite local then we took it out on the boat and watched the sunset. It was a special night. 

What is the most romantic thing she has ever done for you? She once wrote me a letter before a big tour and slipped it into my bag without telling me. I found it a few days in when I really needed it. That kind of quiet, thoughtful stuff is Bek’s version of romance. It’s not the traditional kind, but it means a lot. Same with the big things like packing up and flying across the world with the kids so we can be together as a family. 

What is the secret to a happy relationship? For us, it’s making sure we’re on the same team and working towards the same goals. Also, being open, having honest conversations and keeping faith at the centre of our being helps keep us grounded, especially when life gets busy.

What do you argue about most? Leaving the coffee machine area messy is probably up there. I’m great at making the coffee, but not so great at cleaning up afterwards.

What do you find the most annoying about each other? We’re both pretty stubborn, which can make for some interesting stand-offs.

Who does the most cooking? Pretty much 50/50. I love cooking meat, so most
nights when I’m home I’ll fire up the barbecue.

What are the traits you like most about her? Her loyalty and compassion. She’s thoughtful, strong and cares for the people around her. She’s got exceptionally strong family values, which I respect and share.

When were you the most vulnerable in your relationship? Probably in those early days of being new parents. Figuring it all out while also dealing with the outside pressures of cricket and being apart consistently. It’s all part of the journey, but it definitely stretched us.

How has having kids affected your relationship? It’s deepened our relationship and given us a whole new perspective on life, and on cricket too. It’s mellowed me out in a good way. I’ve also come to appreciate Bek even more, especially for the way she carries so much of the parenting load when I’m away.

Marnus and Bek Labuschagne and daughter Hallie

Bek

How did you meet? We were all friends growing up. Marnus was close with my brother Matt, so he was always around.

What was the first thing you noticed about him? He had this big, infectious personality and so much energy about him. When he talked to people, he was genuinely curious and interested in them. It made people
feel like they mattered. And to Marnus, they did.

When did you first know it was love? Probably on a camping trip to Straddie with his family. I started to realise I could see myself building a life with him.

What was your most standout date? Before we had kids, we’d often take the jetski out to Peel Island and spend the day at Horseshoe Bay with no real plans or places to be.

What is the most romantic thing he has ever done for you? His proposal was really special. He picked up Indian from our favourite local spot, took me out on the boat at sunset and asked me to marry him. It was quiet, personal and completely us.

What is the toughest thing you’ve had to overcome together in yourrelationship? The distance that comes with Marnus being away for cricket can be challenging at times for both of us, especially with differing time zones and not always being together for important family milestones. But we’ve definitely found ways to stay connected, and it makes us grateful for each other and value the time we do have together as a family.

What is the secret to a happy relationship? Sharing dreams and then working towards them together. I think especially for us, it’s been about understanding that different seasons require compromise, and being willing to make sacrifices for each other.

What do you argue the most about? Probably Marnus leaving cricket stuff all over the house. There always seems to be a bat in the corner of every room.

What do you find the most annoying about each other? Marnus has turned off just about every notification on his phone, so he’s nearly impossible to get a hold of sometimes. We’re both average at answering the phone, to be honest.

Who does the most cooking? We share the cooking evenly. We’ve each got our strengths, so it works well.

What is the trait you like most about him? His drive. He’s passionate, dedicated and determined. He doesn’t cut corners and gives his all to the people and things he cares about. He’s also an incredible dad and so involved. 

How has having kids affected your relationship? It’s definitely added a whole new dimension. There’s more complexity and more to juggle, but life feels so much richer. You appreciate each other more, what you both carry, and how you show up for the family. It’s made us stronger as a team and more grateful for the little things.