Dubai: Marnus Labuschagne, the Australian leg spinner who made his debut in the ongoing Test against Pakistan, was happy to have provided a breakthrough by taking the wicket of Asad Shafiq to break a crucial partnership.
“I am just happy that I was able to contribute in some way. We fought really well for two days. Anything to contribute to the team, so it was great to a get a wicket bowling first. I am just trying to do my best for the team and find a way for us to keep getting wickets.”
Labuschagne bowled eight overs and gave away only 29 runs.
Talking about his debut, he said: “It’s obviously very exciting to make my Test debut. I found out about my debut one or two days before the game, I just stayed nice and calm. I am just making sure that I was calm, not getting too excited. But at the same time I was trying to enjoy the moment, but we have got a job to do for Australia.”
Labuschagne admitted that it will be a challenge for Australia now. “The wicket is pretty good. It has deteriorated a little bit but I think it will hold together pretty well. So if we can put up really good batting performance, that will put us in a really good position for the third innings.”
When asked how challenging was it to bowl, the debutant said: “It’s a flat wicket, so it was all about being patient and trying to keep the energy up on the field to make sure we are ready when there is a small chance coming. It’s really good to see Aaron Finch produce a great run out today, and we saw a small opportunity to change the momentum of the game on slower days like today.
“I have been working on my bowling for a long time, but especially in the last three months. I am getting it a bit faster through the air and just making sure bowling the right length. We are really working very hard and with (coach) John Davison making sure we get that length right. Yeah, it was pleasing to see come off and also I was lucky enough to get a wicket as well.”
Asked how it was to play for Australia and not South Africa, his country of birth, the spinner said: “I am over the moon and super excited. It’s a dream come true.”
