3 minute read

Marnus Labuschagne has enjoyed a record-breaking day out for Glamorgan's second XI, scoring 276.

Marnus Labuschagne has scored a record-breaking 276 for Glamorgan's second XI in a dominant return from his ten-day stint in isolation.

Labuschagne and Michael Neser, who is also playing for the Welsh club this year, were ordered to isolate after Glamorgan batsman Nick Selman contracted COVID-19.

Labuschagne recently posted a video on social media of him passing time at home while facing Neser, having turned their kitchen into an impromptu pitch after being judged close contacts of Selman.

The right-hander, ranked third on the International Cricket Council's Test batting charts, was still in lockdown when the club's county clash with Sussex started.

But Labuschagne enjoyed a day out against Northamptonshire at Newport Cricket Club, bettering Ian Thomas's 267 in 2003 to mark the highest score for Glamorgan's second XI.

The star batsman's knock, compiled in six hours and from 268 balls, featured 32 fours and four sixes.

Labuschagne also snared 3-35 from 11 overs in Northamptonshire's first innings.

It has proven a frustrating off-season for Labuschagne, who was overlooked for Australia's limited-overs tour of the West Indies because of logistical complications involved with joining the squad from the UK.

Labuschagne started England's domestic Twenty20 competition with a bang, scoring 93 not out, but Selman's scare forced him to take a break later in June.

The unfortunate series of events mean that it will be incredibly hard for Labuschagne, who has repeatedly spoken of his desire to be a three-format threat for Australia, to break into the T20 World Cup squad.

Glamorgan last week signed New Zealand batsman Hamish Rutherford to replace Labuschagne for the final two months of the English season, revealing the Australian would soon return home to spend time with his family ahead of a busy home summer.