Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne's leg spin has turned heads in the United Arab Emirates and his Queensland coach says his all-round talents don't stop there.
The South African-born 24-year-old was the bolter in Justin Langer's side to debut in Dubai last week and was retained for the second Test despite scores of 0 and 13.
Two wickets with his leg spin and a timely run-out had plenty to do with that, Labuschagne proving it was no fluke with a three-wicket haul in the second Test in Abu Dhabi.
Queensland coach Wade Seccombe said his unique skill set and confidence meant he was always in the game.
"He's always busy around our group, wants to bowl in particular his leggies but its not uncommon for him to go and grab the new ball and bowl some seam up," he said.
"You've sort of got to rein him in at times."
Labuschagne has opened the bowling for Queensland Premier Cricket club Redlands and according to Bulls coaching staff would be a capable replacement if Bulls captain Jimmy Peirson was injured during a Sheffield Shield game.
"It's always handy for a batter to have another string to his bow," Seccombe said.
"The energy he brings (in the field); he's always been that way from a young man all the way through," he said.
"It's pleasing to see at that level."
Labuschagne and his four state teammates will return from international duty for the Bulls in their round two clash against South Australia later this month.
If not selected to play any white ball cricket for Australia they will have have at least three Shield games to press their claims for a berth in the first Test of the home summer against India in December.
