Hussey praises promising batsman

Injury to Matt Renshaw, runs at the right time and a captivating attitude and worth ethic ultimately led to the planets aligning and Labuschagne being presented his baggy green cap by Mike Hussey.

Labuschagne admits that his journey to a series decider against Pakistan has been surreal but the No.6 looking to bounce back from a duck and 13 in Dubai, declared the stunning nature of his shot at the big time has only made him more determined to not let it slip.

“It never really sunk in until I was here on a Test tour walking around and Starcy is there and Lyono is there and, ‘shucks, I’m actually here,’” Labuschagne said.

“But spot on. Cricket is all about opportunities. You look back at history and it’s all about taking an opportunity, somewhere.

“As long as I’ve got an opportunity … then it’s my job to take it.

“I’m here. There’s obviously belief I could do it.

“You’re not going to score runs every game but it’s making sure if it’s my turn to step up on that day, that I’m really stepping up to the challenge and doing my job for the team.”

Labuschagne has been nicknamed ‘Sangos’ by Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc due to a theory that the cricket obsessed kid from Klerksdorp, South Africa survives on eating cricket ball sandwiches.

The talented all-rounder made a huge contribution with his part-time leg-spin and sharp fielding and has a better bowling average than Shane Warne did after his first Test.

But after making a duck in his first dig, Labuschagne admits there was a fear factor to overcome.