‘Going to be ducking bouncers from Australia’s No.3?’ – Marnus Labuschagne wants to play on Virat Kohli’s ‘ego’

Marnus Labuschagne. (Source – Getty Images)

Australia all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne has never shied away from bowling – be it in Tests or white-ball cricket. He has enough confidence in his bowling ability and can bowl handy leg-spin as well as some medium pace. So far, the 30-year-old has bowled in 44 innings, picking up 13 wickets at an average of 58.23.

Ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Labuschagne expressed his desire to bowl to star India batter Virat Kohli. He also light-heartedly cautioned the former India captain that he won’t be afraid of bowling bouncers.

“What are you going to get there? Are you going to get the number three of Australia rolling in bowling bouncers to Virat Kohli? I think people want to see that. You want to see, can you play on someone’s ego? Are you going to be ducking bouncers from Marnus?” Labuschagne said on The Grade Cricketer.

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“I’m happy to throw in whenever. Whatever the team needs. I’d love to hit a little 135 kmph bouncer. I got that in me. My highest recorded is 132 kmph, so just three k[mph] more. The boys hate that. They’ll hate that I’ve said that I’ve got 135 in me,” he added.

Labuschagne has been bowling in the ongoing Sheffield Shield as well, including bouncers to Sam Whiteman and Alex Carey. With Cameron Green out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia are looking for an all-rounder who would share the workload with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Labuschagne is keeping himself ready for the role.