Labuschagne to return to county cricket

Australia Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne has re-signed as country cricket side Glamorgan's overseas player for the next two seasons.

Labuschagne's exploits this year for the Welsh team earned him a recall to the Test arena during the Ashes, with his performances against England sealing his place in Australia's batting line-up.

The 25-year-old averaged more than 50 in his seven innings during the drawn series in the UK, after he became Test cricket's first concussion substitute when he replaced Steve Smith at Lord's.

For Glamorgan in the County Championship, Labuschagne scored 1,114 runs in 18 innings at an average of 65. He also claimed 19 wickets with his legspinners.

"I'm absolutely rapt to re-sign for Glamorgan and come back to Cardiff for another two years," Labuschagne said.

"The coaching staff were great and (coach) Matt (Maynard) really understood my batting and helped me to get the best out of my game.

"My batting improved a lot last year under his guidance and I'm excited to work him again."

Labuschagne scored five centuries, including a career-best 182 against Sussex, and hit a pair of tons against Worcestershire during his maiden stint with Glamorgan.

He will be available for all three formats of the game when he returns to Cardiff next year.