Photo Credit: Queensland Cricket
Leading Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne has been appointed as Queensland Bulls captain for the 2024-25 season.
Labuschagne, 29, will take over the leadership role for the Bulls from Usman Khawaja, who will continue in his role as Brisbane Heat skipper for this summer’s KFC Big Bash League.
Labuschagne had a taste of the captaincy last season when he led the Bulls in Marsh One Day Cup and Marsh Sheffield Shield matches against South Australia.
The QC Board last week formally ratified the recommendation that Labuschagne be appointed State captain for the 2024-25 first class and domestic one-day competitions.
Labuschagne, currently playing in England with Glamorgan, recently brought up his 150th career first class match and has played 67 Shield games for Queensland, scoring 4345 runs with 11 centuries.
He and Khawaja have enjoyed significant success for Australia in recent seasons, with Labuschagne bringing up 50 Tests against New Zealand earlier this year and currently sitting on 52 ODIs, while Khawaja has played 73 Tests and 40 ODIs.
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson congratulated Labuschagne and outgoing captain Khawaja for their roles in the leadership transition.
“Both Marnus and Usman are strong leaders and we’re looking to the future by appointing Marnus to lead the Bulls.
“Usman will continue to lead the championship Heat line-up and will maintain his presence around the Queensland squad during the captaincy transition, while extending his national team focus ahead of the coming international summer.
“It is an ideal opportunity for Marnus to once again showcase his leadership abilities and provide him with experience at first class and one-day level. He and our players enjoyed the opportunity he had last season to lead the Bulls and Marnus is excited about the season ahead and working with new coach, Johan Botha,’’ Svenson said.
Speaking from the UK, Labuschagne said he was looking forward to expanding his leadership credentials with Queensland.
“I’m greatly honoured to be appointed Queensland captain, as I know how much the Bulls mean to the fans around the state,’’ he said.
“I’ve been in a very fortunate position to play alongside some exceptional leaders, and the chance to step up and do a job for the team I love is exciting.”
“We have a great group of players and one of the aspects of the captaincy that I am most looking forward to is helping us to make the most of the structure and opportunities we are creating here in Queensland.”
Khawaja, who led the Bulls to the 2020-21 Marsh Sheffield Shield title, congratulated Labuschagne and thanked Queensland Cricket for the chance to lead the State.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to skipper the Bulls since I got the opportunity in 2015 when James Hopes stepped down,’’ he said.
“Well done to Marnus – I am sure he will find the role as fulfilling and rewarding as I did.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to lead the Heat in the BBL which is such an important element to the game in this country and making the most of my playing opportunities with Queensland this season.”
Khawaja and Labuschagne will join the Bulls for their pre-season from next month as preparations step up ahead of the 2024-25 season.
