London, June 7 (Reporter) Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne believes the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) has breathed new life into Test cricket, giving every match greater meaning and pushing teams to compete with higher intent across a structured cycle. “It means every Test you play has something on it… you’re playing for a trophy at the end of a two-year cycle,” Labuschagne said, ahead of the upcoming WTC Final against South Africa at Lord’s starting June 11. “From a player’s perspective, it looks like the game is in a great place.” Labuschagne, 30, was part of the Australian side that lifted the WTC title for the first time in 2023, defeating India by 209 runs at The Oval. Reflecting on that experience, he said the final brought added prestige and incentive to Test cricket—qualities the format needed in a crowded calendar. “Two years ago, when we beat India, it was awesome,” he recalled. “It’s an exciting tournament… it brings all the countries into play, and anyone can make the final.” Though a strong supporter of the format, Labuschagne has had a more modest run in the current WTC cycle, averaging 28.33 with just one century. In a bid to rediscover form and get acclimatised to English conditions, he has been turning out for Glamorgan in the County Championship—a club he has represented since 2019. “I love playing with the guys here. They’re close friends and I love the environment,” he said. “The benefit of a six-year relationship with the club is that you can call the director of cricket and say, ‘this is what it looks like, is there a chance we can line this up?’” He added that county cricket helps players stay match-sharp and in a competitive headspace, which is crucial heading into high-stakes contests like the WTC Final. Labuschagne is not alone in using county stints to prepare. Fellow Australians Cameron Green and Beau Webster are also playing in England—Green for Warwickshire and Webster for Gloucestershire. “I spoke to Greeny last week, he’s going well… just enjoying being back on the park,” he said. Having famously launched his Test career as cricket’s first-ever concussion substitute at Lord’s during the 2019 Ashes, Labuschagne shares a special connection with the venue. That appearance marked the start of a prolific phase for the South African-born right-hander, who went on to top the ICC Test batting rankings for six months from December 2021. Looking ahead to the final, Labuschagne acknowledged the strength of the South African side, calling it a “well-balanced” outfit with “some really nice players.” “South Africa have been a very good team in this cycle. It will be a good challenge, and we’ll have to be on our game,” he said. “Playing at Lord’s is always special, with all the history involved. It’s going to be an awesome week and another great match.” With the WTC title once again on the line, Labuschagne’s focus is firmly on helping Australia defend their crown—and on ensuring Test cricket continues to thrive on the global stage...////...