One of Australia's Ashes heroes Marnus Labuschagne has signed a two-year deal with Glamorgan in a huge coup for the Welsh county.
Labuschagne was called up to replace Aussie kingpin Steve Smith, who missed the second Test with concussion, in this year's Ashes series and emerged as one of the stars of the summer.
That Ashes stint was preceded by a stellar season for Glamorgan, in which he notched 1,114 runs, including five centuries, at an average of over 65.
His scintillating form for Glamorgan made him the obvious choice to replace Smith in the Australian lineup and he struck four successive half-centuries, ending the tourists' second-highest run scorer.
He was unquestionably a huge factor in Australia retaining the urn in the drawn series.
Having enjoyed such success with both Glamorgan and the Australian side this year, Labuschagne was understandably sought after by a number of English counties.
However, Glamorgan have managed to secure his services which will provide a huge boost to the county, who narrowly missed out on promotion to Division One this season.
It is understood that the permanent appointment of head coach Matthew Maynard last week was one of a number of key factors that influenced Labuschagne's decision to return to South Wales for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
“I’m absolutely rapt to re-sign for Glamorgan and come back to Cardiff for another two years," the top-order batsman said.
“I love the city and loved playing for the club. The boys were incredible from day one and I felt part of something special.
“The coaching staff were great and Matt (Maynard) really understood my batting and helped me to get the best out of my game. My batting improved a lot last year under his guidance and I’m excited to work him again. But I’m equally excited to do everything I can to help drive the team into Division One. We definitely have the playing talent and coaching staff to get us there.
“I want to thank the players, staff and supporters for how they embraced me in 2019 and I can’t wait to be back for the next couple of years.”
Labuschagne will represent the county in all three formats over the next two years and will likely be available for all of next summer, given Australia's favourable international schedule.
He will be one of three top Australian internationals plying their trade in the Cardiff next summer, with Smith and and fierce paceman Mitchell Starc having been signed up to Welsh Fire for next year's inaugural The Hundred competition.
