Marnus Labuschagne returns to Glamorgan as overseas player on two-year deal

The Australia allrounder enjoyed a stellar 2019 in South Wales and is available for all three formats for the next two seasons

Glamorgan have announced that Marnus Labuschagne will return to the club as their overseas player on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old allrounder will be available across all three formats for the Sophia Gardens club after enjoying a stellar 2019 in South Wales.

Labuschagne scored 1114 runs and took 19 wickets in 10 County Championship matches, performances which won him a place Australia's Ashes squad.

As Tim Paine's side retained the urn thanks to drawing the five-match series 2-2, Labuschagne scored 353 runs at 50.42.

He initially won his place in the team as the Test cricket's first-ever concussion substitute after Steve Smith's injury at Lord's.

“I’m absolutely rapt to re-sign for Glamorgan and come back to Cardiff for another two years," said Labuschagne.

“I love the city and loved playing for the club. The boys were incredible from day one and I felt part of something special.

“The coaching staff were great and Matt really understood my batting and helped me to get the best out of my game. My batting improved a lot last year under his guidance and I’m excited to work him again.

"But I’m equally excited to do everything I can to help drive the team into Division One. We definitely have the playing talent and coaching staff to get us there.

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“I want to thank the players, staff and supporters for how they embraced me in 2019 and I can’t wait to be back for the next couple of years.”

Though Australia are scheduled to tour England next July in three T20 internationals and three ODIs, Labuschagne is expected to be available for the entire domestic campaign.

His untimely departure to play for his country last season coincided with Glamorgan's loss of form in the Championship, which eventually saw them fail to earn promotion from Division Two.

During his spell with Glamorgan he also featured in eight One-Day Cup matches, scoring 123 runs - including one half-century - and took eight wickets.

Director of cricket Mark Wallace added: “To have Marnus sign for two years is great news for everyone associated with the club.

“He showed during the County Season and Ashes what a fantastic player he is and will significantly strengthen our batting and bowling departments across all three formats. 

“He is incredibly hard-working, a great motivator and someone who leads from the front both on and off the pitch.

“Marnus always plays with a smile on his face and is extremely popular at the club. I know he would have had significant offers to play elsewhere so to have him return to Wales for the next two years is a massive boost to everyone at the club.”

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