Aussies abroad: Harris' statement, Finch's rapid fifty, Labuschagne's all-round show, and more
A number of Australian players headed overseas for the winter to play in IPL and county cricket. Here is how they fared last week
Marcus Harris made a century on his Gloucestershire debut • PA Images via Getty Images
Reserve Test opener Marcus Harris made a statement to Australia's selectors and new coach Andrew McDonald with a superb century in his first appearance for Gloucestershire against Yorkshire in division one of the county championship.
Aaron Finch found some form in the IPL with a blistering half-century for Kolkata Knight Riders against Rajasthan Royals. Finch smashed 58 off 28 balls with nine fours and two sixes. It was his second half-century in three T20 innings after fighting his way out of a slump in the only T20I against Pakistan.
All hail @marnus3cricket #LVCountyChamp pic.twitter.com/LugzZpNisw
— LV= Insurance County Championship (@CountyChamp) April 14, 2022
Labuschagne found some form with the bat but he also picked up two wickets with the ball for Glamorgan, except that he wasn't bowling his trademark legspin. Instead, he was bowling seam-up, something he did bowl one over of during the last Test tour of Pakistan and he has bowled in first-class cricket previously. He nicked off Tom Moores for 4 and then picked up Ben Duckett on 122 caught and bowled.
Marsh contracted Covid-19, and was thus admitted to hospital. Capitals confirmed in a statement that their "medical team is closely monitoring Marsh's condition". But he will need to isolate for at least seven days as per tournament rules, and will be unavailable for at least their next two matches.
Harris' hundred on his first outing for Gloucestershire was an eye-catching performance for a number of reasons. He remains behind Usman Khawaja and Warner as Australia's third-choice opener after losing this place during the Ashes, but a strong winter for Gloucestershire will bode well for his chances in the 2023 Ashes in England, particularly after he performed so well for Leicestershire in 2021.
Alex Malcolm is an Associate Editor at ESPNcricinfo