Marnus Labuschagne commits to Glamorgan until end of 2024 season

Marnus Labuschagne has committed to Glamorgan for the next two seasons after extending his deal with the county at least until the end of 2024.

Labuschagne, currently the ICC's No.2-ranked Test batter, made 377 runs at 41.88 in five early-season Championship matches for Glamorgan this season, including a best of 130 against Derbyshire, before travelling to Sri Lanka for Australia's Test tour in July.

His time at the club, however, was arguably instrumental in kickstarting his Test career, given the form he brought with him to the 2019 Ashes, when he made history at Lord's as the first concussion substitute in Test history.

Labuschagne made 1,114 first-class runs in just 10 matches for Glamorgan in that first season for the club, and carried on in the same vein after replacing Steve Smith midway through the Lord's Test, following his team-mate's blow to the head from Jofra Archer.

He made 59 in that first innings, the first of four consecutive half-centuries, then backed that up on home soil with four scores of 143-plus in five Tests, including a career-best 215 against New Zealand at Sydney. He has since amassed 2,539 runs at 54.02 in 28 Tests, and in December 2021 he rose to No.1 in the ICC rankings.

Labuschagne missed the 2020 county season due to the pandemic, but returned in 2021 and 2022, to take his overall record for the club to 1,719 runs in 21 first-class matches, in addition to 508 T20 runs in 14 games. He has also picked up 31 first-class wickets at 36.70 with his legspin.

"I love playing for Glamorgan, and look forward to coming to Cardiff and Wales every year," Labuschagne said. "It's become a second home for me and my family and I'm rapt that I'm coming back for another two years.

"Since the moment I got here, the Glamorgan players, staff and supporters have treated me like I was one of their own and I'm extremely grateful for that. I can't wait to return to Wales and help push the team forward to win more silverware."

Director of cricket, Mark Wallace, added: "Marnus has been a wonderful addition to the dressing room, and it is amazing to be able to bring a world-class talent back to Glamorgan.

"His passion and love for the game is infectious and you only need to be around him for a couple of minutes to realise how much the Club and the supporters mean to him.

"He has been an unbelievable player for us during his short time with us and has been a real role model for our younger players.

"We cannot wait to have him back in Wales for the next two years."