Queensland Bulls promotion thickens the plot in Australia Test leadership stakes

Marnus Labuschagne has landed a key leadership role which could have major ramifications in Australian cricket, reports ROBERT CRADDOCK.

Marnus Labuschagne will replace Usman Khawaja as Queensland captain this season as the Bulls push his prospects to become Australia’s next Test skipper.

The decision comes after Labuschagne filled in as Shield captain last summer and the Queensland hierarchy felt it was time to promote his cause.

Khawaja, whose leadership skills are greatly respected in Queensland, will stay as Brisbane Heat Big Bash captain.

This is a significant moment in Labuschagne’s career. Australian powerbrokers have never pushed him as a leader and have often defended their reluctance along the lines of “well, it starts with Queensland who have never pushed him either.’’

It was a fair point. Labuschagne was next to no chance of captaining Australia without a Queensland leadership role. Now he has that he is a puncher’s solid chance of becoming a Test leader, especially given the small size of the field led by Travis Head.

Labuschagne, who turns 30 on Saturday, is a year younger than current captain Pat Cummins who is well entrenched in the role but has also flagged his intention to one day vacate the captaincy and finish his career as a specialist bowler.

Marnus Labuschagne is inheriting the Queensland reins from Usman Khawaja. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Speaking from England where he is playing county cricket with Glamorgan, Labuschagne welcomed his promotion but downplayed the long term significance of the appointment.

“My focus is 100 per cent on Queensland and helping our young team and doing what Steve Smith did for me when I first came in – being there for them,’’ Labuschagne said.

“Be a leader among the team and help Queensland win a title. Whatever happens beyond that is not in my immediate focus.

“If down the track the opportunity does throw my name in the hat that’s great but my focus is solely with Queensland.

“Obviously I feel very fortunate and privileged to lead Queensland. There has been so many great leaders. It has given me the opportunity with this quite young Queensland group to pass on a bit of experience and hopefully help the team.

“I have had some great captains over my time including Ussie (Khawaja) who has been my longest standing captain and I have learnt so much from him, and people like Steve (Smith), Patty (Cummins) and Tim Paine.

“I can use all those experiences now and lead Queensland well.’’

Former captain Paine will enjoy hearing the news of Labuschagne’s promotion given he has been advocating for some time that Labuschagne deserves leadership recognition.

South African born Labuschagne will link up with another product of that nation, Johan Botha, who is the new Bulls coach.

“From all reports he has brought a lot of energy to the group and his knowledge of the game impressed me when we did catch up. It is a nice fresh start and I think he will do a fantastic job.’’

Originally published as Queensland Bulls promotion thickens the plot in Australia Test leadership stakes