Marnus Labuschagne extends Glamorgan stay until 2022

Glamorgan have extended the contract of Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne until 2022. Labuschagne had been due to play for the county this summer, as part of a two-year deal, but his arrival was deferred due to the impact of Covid-19 on the season.

Labuschagne's remarkable 2019, which saw him named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year, began with a spell at Glamorgan. He scored 1114 Championship runs at 65.52 before being called into Australia's Ashes squad, where he made an instant impact after becoming Test cricket's first concussion substitute at Lord's.

"It was an easy decision to extend my contract for another year and commit to Glamorgan and Wales long term," Labuschagne said.

"I was gutted not to be returning to Glamorgan for the 2020 season after I loved my first year here, so I'm delighted to be re-committing myself to the club for the next couple of years. Working with Matt Maynard helped take my game to the next level and I'm looking forward to working with him again and playing with a hugely talented group of team-mates.

"Cardiff is a brilliant city to live in, the Welsh people and our supporters were fantastic to me - it's not always easy to find places where you feel comfortable and at home so quickly. I loved my first year at the club and the dressing room environment and I'm looking forward to playing cricket with them again."

Labuschagne's involvement saw Glamorgan involved in a promotion push for the first time in several years, eventually finishing fourth.

Mark Wallace, the club's director of cricket, said: "It's a sign of Marnus' character that he had no hesitation in extending his deal, and that he's been keen to do so since we realised that he wouldn't be able to come over and play for us in 2020.

"He's committed to what we are trying to achieve here at the club, and it's a sign that we are heading in the right direction when one of the best players in world cricket is committed to returning to and staying with your club.

"Marnus loves the game of cricket and his enthusiasm is infectious, and he brings an incredible energy to the team that lifts others around him. The coaching staff love him, and we are looking forward to having him around in 2021 and 2022 and beyond."