KARACHI: New Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Hyderabad on Friday announced the direct signing of Australia’s top-order batsman Marnes Lapuzagne ahead of the historic player auction to be held on February 11.
The franchise made the announcement through its official social media handles by sharing an animated poster of the 31-year-old, who has represented Australia in 63 Tests, 66 ODIs and one T20I.
“Yes… it just happened. Calm under pressure. Made for big moments. Signed directly to Marnes Labuschagne (PSL).”
Notably, Hyderabad did not disclose the fee for Labuschagne, who is set to make his PSL debut in the upcoming season from March 26 to May 3.
An integral part of the Australian men’s cricket team in the longer formats since his international debut against Pakistan in 2018, Labuschagne has incidentally only made one appearance in the 2022 T20Is, which came against the Green Shirts.
He also boasts a bleak experience of franchise leagues, having only played in Australia’s Big Bash League (PBL) and England’s Vitality Blast.
Despite being one of the best long-form batsmen, Labuschagne has fewer numbers to his name in T20s, scoring 1381 runs in 59 matches at a poor average of 26.55 despite scoring eight half-centuries.
Marnus Labuschagne, however, also provides a spin option in the shorter format and has taken 40 wickets in T20s at an average of 20.05.
He has been inducted a day before the Hyderabad team unveils its official team name and logo at a star-studded ceremony at the Nias Stadium.
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