The Trident hotel in Mumbai, where the Australian team was staying, is thronged by fans and journalists. Anytime you walk into the lobby, the large sofas would be abuzz with people involved in discussions. There are goosebump moments when a few famous names walk through the main entrance... Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
Phenomenal: Marnus Labuschagne was the summer’s most revelatory story. An insatiable appetite for runs, was married to dogged defiance as he amassed 896 runs in five home Tests at an average of 112 with four hundreds and three fifties. AP
Labuschagne is shadow-practicing his leg-spin while waiting in the foyer for Smith, who is obliging young fans with selfies and autographs. The two soon make their way towards the lift, even as the kids and a handful of the hotel support staff are whipped into a frenzy.
If Smith dominated the Ashes in England in a dramatic, blockbuster fashion then his like for like replacement, Labuschagne, is the Next Big Thing after an exciting summer of run-glut. The pair has been virtually inseparable... off the field too, reveals Labuschagne.
“We spend a lot of time together. We love the game and talk about it all the time,” says Labuschagne. “We probably talk more cricket off the field than on it. I’ve learnt a lot by just watching how he (Smith) goes about the game.. how he applies himself on the field. Steve’s a great player to learn from because he sets the benchmark so high.”
This story is from the February 8, 2020 edition of Sportstar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 8, 2020 edition of Sportstar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tokyo Marathon Cancelled For Amateurs On Coronavirus Fears
Organisers in Japan cancelled the amateur portion of the Tokyo marathon, affecting around 38,000 runners, on fears about the spread of the new coronavirus in Japan.
Right Criteria To Pick The Tennis GOAT
What should the criteria be? What weight should be attached to each criterion? And what should not be considered as valid criteria?
The making of a batting behemoth
If Steve Smith dominated the Ashes in England in a dramatic, blockbuster fashion then his like for like a replacement, Marnus Labuschagne, is the Next Big Thing after an exciting summer of run-glut.
WHEN ACES WERE REWARDED...
It was an evening of nostalgia and celebration when the Sportstar Aces awards were given away in Mumbai.
A question of recognition
After a week of awards, one wonders if it’s only a departed player that one will be named after.
Thinking straight, thinking right!
“A lot depends on when I am bowling and what is required from me. That’s something I do when I play for India and I try to follow the same thing in the domestic circuit,” says Yuzvendra Chahal.
The Big Three and the Next Gen
Though the Big Three are very unlikely to retire during the same year, Judy Murray, mother of Andy, echoed the sentiments of many fans worried about the impact of their departures.
WAKING UP TO MENTAL HEALTH
Sport at large and cricket specifically has taken an inordinately long time to address the elephant in the room — the dark abyss of depression.
Like sunshine in a gloomy dressing room
Bangladesh quick Abu Jayed Rahi is new in the red-ball arena, but his swing brings back old memories — of James Anderson on green tops.
The league of the masses
With traditional clubs locking horns with the hard-working nurseries of the game, the I-League will continue to keep the beating heart of Indian football alive despite official apathy.
