Labuschagne's unusual practice makes perfect

Just over two weeks ago, Marnus Labuschagne posted a video on Instagram of him in a kitchen, diving forward with his right hand to catch a corncob that had just been chopped by fellow Queensland cricketer James Bazley. "Short-leg catching has never been this much fun," he posted.

On day two at the Gabba, Labuschagne put those skills to good use while fielding as a substitute for Australia in the Test against India. Asked to go under the helmet while Nathan Lyon was operating, Labuschagne reacted quickly to an inside edge of the bat of Varun Aaron, diving forward onto the pitch to pouch the catch with his right hand.

It has been an enjoyable summer so far for Labuschagne, a 20-year-old opening batsman who scored 83 on his Sheffield Shield debut for Queensland at Adelaide Oval and has played every match for the Bulls since. Born in Klerksdorp in South Africa, Labuschagne moved with his family to Australia as a child.

"I spoke Afrikaans in South Africa -- I barely spoke any English when I arrived here and it was a big change," Labuschagne told the Courier-Mail in October. "Adapting at school was interesting but a good experience and I wouldn't trade it.

"I remember the teacher saying 'get your rubbers and rulers out' and I had no idea what rubbers and rulers were. First day at school that is not what you want.''

Despite his South African origins, the Australians were more than happy to claim Labuschagne as one of their own after his effort at the Gabba.