Aussie Test captain Tim Paine feels that Marnus Labuschagne has exceptional natural leadership qualities and tipped him to be a future captain for the national team. Ever since making his debut against Pakistan in 2018, Labuschagne has taken giant strides at the international level and is currently the 3rd ranked Test batsman.
“I think he’d be a good (leader),” Paine told reporters from Brisbane. Marnus is a great thinker of the game. He’s a good team man, he’s got so much enthusiasm for his team and the game,” he added.
Labuschagne has been an animated character on the field and his childlike enthusiasm has been there for everyone to see. Paine feels that the stylish right-handed batsman will play a bigger role for the national team in the coming future.
“In terms of our cricket team improving and Marnus evolving, I think in the next couple of years we’ll definitely see him take the step up,” he added.
“He’s got some real natural leadership ability and if that’s harnessed and helped, I think he’ll be a great captain,” Paine said.
After taking over as the Test skipper of the Australian team following the sandpaper gate controversy in 2018, Paine has led the side well. Despite the return of Steve Smith and David Warner, he has been kept as the skipper despite his indifferent form with the bat and glove.
Following Australia’s defeat against India at home, there were reports that some of the Australian players were not happy with Langer’s coaching style. However, Paine backed his coaching style and said that the former opener did a good job in difficult times.
“We had a team review at the end of the Indian series which is pretty common practice in professional sports. He (Langer) had been doing a good job at a difficult time," Paine said.