Australian Marnus Labuschagne ‘excited’ to be a part of series against Pak

The number one ranked Test batter Marnus Labuschagne is excited to be part of Australia’s historic tour to Pakistan, starting from March 4 in Rawalpindi.

The Aussies are scheduled to tour Pakistan for three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I. While replying to a fan on Twitter, the 27-year-old said that it is the “first Australia tour to Pakistan in 24 years. So excited to be a part of this series.”

First 🇦🇺 tour to Pakistan in 24 years. So excited to be a part of this series https://t.co/mU7YFQmGZH

— Marnus Labuschagne (@marnus3cricket) February 8, 2022

Earlier in January, in a question and answer (Q & A) session, Labuschagne had said that he can’t wait to play in Pakistan and is itching to face ICC Cricketer of the Year, Shaheen Afridi.

Can't wait

— Marnus Labuschagne (@marnus3cricket) January 26, 2022

The tour will now start and end in Rawalpindi with the opening Test to be played from March 4-8 and the four white-ball matches to be played from March 29 to April 5.

The change in the first Test venue means that the second Test will be played in Karachi from March 12-16 and the third in Lahore from March 21-25.

The only T20 match of the series will be played in Rawalpindi on April 5.

The schedule was earlier revised to ease logistical and operational challenges as well as to avoid Pakistan Day rehearsals, which usually commence in Islamabad in the second week of March.

Meanwhile, it must be noted that Labuschagne has amassed 2220 runs in 23 Tests for Australia. The right-hander has scored six centuries since making his debut in 2018.

Cricket Australia announced the full-strength squad for Pakistan tour on Tuesday. While squads for the limited-overs matches that will follow the Tests are yet to be named, the fact that no Test players have pulled out is a vote of confidence for the tour.