Labuschagne looks special, says Sachin Tendulkar Marnus Labuschagne Sydney: Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Friday picked Australian Marnus Labuschagne as the player who most reminds him of himself, calling the fast- rising batsman a special talent with impeccable footwork.
Here to coach a side at Sundayu2019s charity fundraiser for the devastating bushfires in Australia, Tendulkar was asked to name the player who he thinks comes closest to resembling him at his prime.
u201c I happened to be watching the second Test match at Lordu2019s between England and Australia. When Steven Smith got injured, I saw Labuschagneu2019s second innings,u201d Tendulkar responded. u201c I was sitting with my father- in- law. I saw Marnus get hit off the second ball from Jofra Archer and, post that, the 15 minutes he batted, I said, u2018 This player looks specialu2019,u201d he recalled.
u201c There is something about him. His footwork was precise. Footwork is not physical, itu2019s mental. If youu2019re not thinking positively in your mind, then your feet donu2019t move,u201d he added.
Labuschagne, 25, became Test cricketu2019s leading scorer last year with 1,104 runs.
He broke into the scene after coming in as a concussion substitute for Steven Smith during the Ashes last August.
Grabbing his chance with both hands, Labuschagne made four consecutive half- centuries to notch up with 353 runs at 50.42 in the Ashes.
Tendulkar said Labuschagneu2019s fine footwork is also a sign that he is a mentally strong player.
u201c His footwork was incredible.u201d Tendulkar PTI
