Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

Marnus Labuschagne, Australia’s newest Test sensation, is seeking to build further on his ODI game.

Labuschagne, who has enjoyed an incredible run of form since replacing Steve Smith at Lord’s last year, is not content to simply stay put. As cricket came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Labuschagne has spent more time working on how he can improve in ODI cricket, after a promising start to his career that included an emotional century at Potchefstroom earlier this year.

“It doesn’t matter what the format is; you want to get better,” he told reporters in Brisbane. “There are some areas in one-day cricket where I’m continuing to develop: my bowling and making sure I get a bit more consistent, so I become a better option for the skipper in the middle overs and, with my batting at the death – I want to keep working on that. So it’s been nice to have five months to be able to work on those skills, where if I’d been playing cricket you might not have had the opportunity. It’s all about using the time wisely. Hopefully that’s the way it comes across.”

Labuschagne is part Australia’s 21-man squad for the upcoming England tour. Coming up against the world champions is a great test for Australia and Labuschagne in particular, as the Aussies look for more options in the middle overs.

“That’s what this pre-season has been about, making sure I prepare, improving those areas I needed to to take my game to the next level. I had a really good summer but you want to be better than that, I want to go one better, so making sure you are using this time wisely,” continued Labuschagne.

Australia’s tour of England begins with three T20Is, starting on September 4. A three-match ODI series will follow, starting on September 11. Labuschagne is expected to play a key role for Australia in the ODIs coming in at number four, along with contributing with a few overs. If he can add greater dynamacy to his game, Australia could have an excellent ODI asset on their hands.

Australia’s ODI series against England will be part of the ODI Super League.

England vs Australia tour schedule:

September 4: 1st T20I, Ageas Bowl, Southampton

September 6: 2nd T20I, Ageas Bowl, Southampton

September 8: 3rd T20I, Ageas Bowl, Southampton

September 11: 1st ODI, Old Trafford, Manchester

September 13: 2nd ODI, Old Trafford, Manchester

September 16: 3rd ODI, Old Trafford, Manchester