Peter Gilbert is again to assessment how the plethora of Australians enjoying county cricket are performing. We may’ve printed one thing about England’s gamers, too. Nevertheless, they’re all warming up for the Ashes by enjoying within the IPL as a substitute. Ed Smith could be proud…
Final week’s County Championship spherical as soon as once more noticed a number of Australians in motion within the four-day county recreation.
Two of those, Marcus Harris and Marnus Labuschagne, will quickly be part of the Australian squad that can do battle as soon as extra with England, for the Ashes, later this summer season.
Others, equivalent to Michael Neser and Peter Handscomb, can be hoping their performances will earn them a call-up to the squad ought to replacements be required.
Right here, we assessment the latest efforts from the Australian cricketers within the County Championship.
Marcus Harris – Gloucestershire
Marcus Harris had a robust begin to the County Championship season, scoring 59 and 148 towards Glamorgan.
Harris has additionally been awarded an Australian contract, and a spot inside the take a look at squad for the Ashes.
Opening the batting for Gloucestershire, after Sussex had placed on a formidable 445-5 declared, Harris was set for a superb rating and had survived early stress to make his manner into the thirties.
Nevertheless, on 37 from 97 balls, Harris pushed the ball into the leg aspect and known as for a single.
He wouldn’t make it, as sub fielder Tom Clarke threw down the stumps with a direct hit and ran-out the Australian batter.
To make issues worse, Harris’ dismissal triggered a partial collapse within the Gloucestershire line-up, with James Bracey and Graeme van Buuren getting out in successive deliveries.
Harris may solely add 5 within the second innings, out LBW to Sean Hunt, as Gloucestershire adopted on and had been fortunate to steal a attract a rain-affected fixture.
Total, it was a troublesome spherical for the person trying to safe a spot on the high of the Australian order.
Marnus Labuschagne – Glamorgan
Other than Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne is arguably the best profile Australian batter set to participate on this season’s County Championship.
Labuschagne got here into the fixture towards Leicestershire off the again of two poor scores in his first match of the season, towards Durham.
In a excessive scoring fixture, Leicestershire made 407 within the first innings of the sport. Labuschagne contributed 64 from 106 balls as Glamorgan made 465.
The primary batter on the earth, coming in at quantity three for Glamorgan, hit the one six of the away aspect’s innings shortly earlier than being caught within the slips off the bowling of Ed Barnes.
Labuschagne bowled simply seven overs in the complete match, with out taking a wicket, that means his bowling expertise had been unable to make a distinction inside a fixture that in the end petered out right into a draw.
Facet be aware: For a really humorous final ball of the match, attempt to discover the hassle delivered by Eddie Byrom on YouTube.
Different noticeable mentions
Labuschagne was not the one Australian in motion at Grace Street. The sport additionally included one other Aussie who may maybe think about himself unfortunate to not be part of the Ashes squad. I’m referring, in fact, to Michael Neser.
Neser added a decided 90 from 198 balls, batting at 9 for Glamorgan. He additionally opened the bowling and took three wickets total.
For the house aspect, Leicestershire’s Peter Handscomb continued a superb run of kind to make 95 from 168 balls. He additionally took two catches holding wicket.
Peter Gilbert
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