Marnus Labuschagne doesn't need leadership role to lead, eager to dominate Ashes series with bat

Marnus Labuschagne has risen through the ranks on the back of truckload of runs batting at number three position for Australia and it was his outstanding batting numbers that put him in the reckoning when the selectors were looking for a replacement once Tim Paine was to leave.

However, Paine left the side and captaincy on a sudden and unceremonious note leaving Australian selectors to scramble quickly for leadership options with an all-important Ashes series knocking at the door.

As things panned out, they nominated Pat Cummins, who was a long time deputy to Paine for the captaincy role while Steve Smith regained some of his reputation and place in the leadership group.

Discussing how things progressed and his takeaways from the process, Labuschagne rejected the idea that he was disappointed at not being appointed as the captain. Instead, he outlined his role with the bat in hand said that his leadership doesn’t depend on having a formal role or title with the side. 

He offered all his and other senior players’ support to Cummins and Smith and expected the duo to produce “fabulous” results for the Australian Test team.

"No, I wasn’t disappointed," Labuschagne told reporters. “I think there are two very good leaders and very good candidates. (Cummins) is going to do a fabulous job and he’s got plenty of support with Steve as his vice-captain and all the senior players of the group.”

"My job right now is to concentrate on scoring runs consistently for Australia and I’m happy for that to be my role for now. You don’t need the title to still be a leader in the group."

Labuschange established himself in Australia’s Test team in the last Ashes series played in England when they needed someone to calm the storm after injury to Steve Smith and he has not looked back since. He will remain Australia’s go to man with the bat alongside David Warner and Smith in the upcoming Ashes series scheduled to start on December 08.