He might be an incumbent Test player but Marnus Labuschagne says Sam Heazlett will be Queensland's inspiration with the bat in their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia starting on Saturday in Brisbane.
Labuschagne is still buzzing from his Test debut in Australia's ill-fated UAE series against Pakistan, as the last placed Bulls look to break their Shield duck with a third-round win against the Warriors at Allan Border Field.
However, Labuschagne said they would need to follow the lead of Queensland teammate Heazlett with the bat if they wanted Shield success.
Heazlett ground out a 356-ball 118 not out - Queensland's first Shield ton of the summer - to help the Bulls ensure a draw in their last clash with a dominant South Australia.
Labuschagne said they would need more of the same on a flat deck if they were to threaten third-placed WA and get off the bottom of the Shield ladder.
"Sam batted beautifully. It was a different side to Sam we haven't seen before - it was one of those gritty innings that we needed," he said.
"It was a massive game. It shifted momentum for us and I think you will see the rewards in our next game.
"We have to deal with what the conditions are like here (Allan Border Field), be patient with the bat in our top order and do the hard work."
Queensland will line up against a WA side boasting Labuschagne's Test vice-captain Mitch Marsh but not his brother Shaun or Marcus Stoinis, who are on national one-day duties.
While happy with his UAE efforts, Labuschagne said he would need to exploit the flat Brisbane pitch to keep his name in selectors' minds ahead of the first Test against India next month in Adelaide.
"Everyone knows every innings they play in the next five weeks is important - every batsman in the country knows that," he said.
"But personally, it is about getting out there and scoring runs for the team, get them in the best position to get a win."
Queensland will play at Allan Border Field for the first time since clinching the Shield title last season at the venue.
BULLS:
Jimmy Peirson (capt), Joe Burns, Brendan Doggett, Luke Feldman, Sam Heazlett, Charlie Hemphrey, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Jack Wildermuth (12th man to be named).
Share
