Marnus Labuschagne working hard ahead of Australia’s one-day international series against England

A cross-sport promotion between Australia’s cricket and rugby union teams led to plenty of banter and big hitting.

Marnus Labuschagne has been hard at work on a “spicy” wicket as he prepares for Australia’s upcoming one-day international series against England.

With Wallabies trio Harry Wilson, Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa watching on Wednesday at a Cricket Australia mini-camp in Brisbane, batting star Labuschagne was honing his skills in a centre-wicket practice session, playing a variety of strokes off the bowling of pacemen Jhye Richardson and Xavier Bartlett and off-spinner Todd Murphy.

“It doesn’t stop,” Labuschagne said ahead of Australia’s five-match ODI series in England starting on September 19 in Nottingham.

“I’ve had probably three weeks back from (playing County cricket) in England, and I’m going back there in about a month and a bit.

“The wicket was a bit spicy today, but it’s always a great contest to get out there. We’re so privileged here in Queensland with the weather and the conditions.”

Our newest recruit @marnus3cricket@CricketAus 🏏 #Wallabiespic.twitter.com/P6ixlPSnOV

— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 7, 2024

It wasn’t all hard work for Labuschagne as he also bowled a few deliveries to Wallabies No.8 Harry Wilson as part of a cross-sport promotion at Norths Cricket Club.

Wilson, who starred as a big-hitting batsman as a schoolboy before focusing on rugby union, enjoyed attempting to hit sixes off the gentle spin bowling of Labuschagne.

“I always wanted to be a cricketer or a footy player, so getting to face Marnus and hit him for a few sixes and maybe get out a few times was pretty cool,” said Wilson, whose Wallabies side meet South Africa at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

“Just seeing them go about their business, (watching) one of the best Test batters in the world batting … I loved every moment of it.”

Labuschagne remembered Wilson well, having spent time coaching the Wallaby when he was playing cricket at school.

“I’ve known Harry for a very long time. He was very talented cricketer, but it’s good to see his (rugby) ability and him go so well for the Wallabies,” Labuschagne said.

“Today he probably was a bit eager. He wanted to hit the ball on to the road rather than just go back to his roots from the days (facing) the (bowling) machine just watching the ball … but to see the codes combine and just support each other with both groups wanting and desiring to be the best, it’s nice to see it all come together.”

Despite being born in South Africa and not moving to Australia until he was 10, Labuschagne will be cheering for the Wallabies on Saturday.

“I went to school with the likes of (Wallaby representatives) Chris Feauai-Sautia and Samu Kerevi. We were all in the same grade, so supporting those guys and going along with their journey, it didn’t make it very difficult (to support the Wallabies),” he said.