“I probably haven’t seen that same Virat since 2018” – Marnus Labuschagne lauds birthday boy ahead of 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Marnus Labuschagne has lauded former India captain Virat Kohli ahead of the much-awaited 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia on his 36th birthday (Tuesday, November 5). While recounting his first memory of Kohli during the 2018 series, Labuschagne shared he has yet to witness the same aura ever since. He pointed out that Kohli was quite intense on the field as a skipper.

Notably, Kohli is the most successful Indian captain in Tests. He led India to 40 wins in 68 matches, including a 2018-19 series win Down Under. He was the first Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia. Later in 2020-21, Ajinkya Rahane equaled him for the feat.

Marnus Labuschagne told Star Sports (via The Times of India):

“My first memory of Virat was probably, from a playing perspective, the 2018 series. He was captain at that time, I think, and he was quite intense. When I watched the series, it was a very intense series.

"I probably haven’t seen that same Virat since then, you know, the start of that series. For a long time, he’s just been a quality act, but my first memory would be that," he added.

Virat Kohli enjoys a great record with the bat in Australia. The right-handed batter has 1352 runs in 13 Tests (25 innings), comprising six centuries and four 50s. Overall, he has 2042 runs in 25 Tests against Australia, including eight tons and five half-centuries.

What is Marnus Labuschagne’s record against India in Tests?

Marnus Labuschagne enjoys an impressive record against India in Tests. The right-hander has 775 runs in 10 matches at an average of 45.58, hitting one ton and three half-centuries. He will be key to Australia’s chances of winning a Test series against India at home since the 2014/15 series.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will kickstart in Perth on November 22. Australia and India will compete for the top two spots in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table, with the final scheduled to be played next year.