MELBOURNE (Reuters): Australia test skipper Tim Paine has tipped Marnus Labuschagne to be a future captain and says the top-order batsman’s natural leadership qualities make him a great fit for the role.

Since his debut against Pakistan in 2018, Labuschagne, 26, has grown in stature in the Australian set-up and is currently the third-ranked batsman in test cricket.

“I think he’d be a good (leader),” Paine told reporters from Brisbane on Monday.

“Marnus is a great thinker of the game. He’s a good team man, he’s got so much enthusiasm for his team and the game.” Paine has been impressed by Labuschagne’s enthusiasm and expects the prolific batsman to play a bigger role in the near future.

“In terms of our cricket team improving and Marnus evolving, I think in the next couple of years we’ll definitely see him take the step up,” he added.

“He’s got some real natural leadership ability and if that’s harnessed and helped, I think he’ll be a great captain.” 

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