Emerging star Labuschagne has a handle on the Bible
Last year’s International Cricket Council’s Emerging Player of the Year isn’t letting the title go to his head, writes Ben Hampshire.
Marnus Labuschagne won’t allow the accolade boost his ego because he firmly believes his talent is thanks to God.
And the Bible is such a central part of his life, he has an eagle engraved at the base of his bat to represent his favourite Bible verse from Isaiah 40:31.
He said: “The Bible says your actions should be your words. As a Christian, you need to know the gospel. You need to know what you believe. And it’s good to be challenged. It makes you think about your faith deeper.”
South African born Labuschagne rocketed to stardom in 2019 by becoming the leading Test match run scorer. He was then crowned Emerging Player of the Year in 2020.
In his first 18 Tests, Labuschagne – who is also playing county cricket with Glamorgan – amassed 1,885 runs at an average of 60.80.
He added: “As a Christian you’re getting put under fire all the time: different opinions, different people talking. But once you have a relationship with people, conversations flow.
“It definitely puts more perspective on your life. International cricket – and let’s be honest, the game of cricket – is based on failure.
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