South Africa-born Labuschagne, 25, was a relative unknown this time 12 months ago, but has become a mainstay of Australia’s Test middle order after a stunning summer with the bat which included four Test centuries.
The Queenslander, who made a modest Test debut against Pakistan in 2018, has also broken into Australia’s One-Day International side.
But it was Labuschagne’s impact following his inclusion as a concussion sub for Steve Smith during last year’s Ashes with four half-centuries from seven knocks, totalling 353 runs at an average of 50.42, which put his name up in lights.
Then Labuschagne enjoyed a wonderful Test summer on home turf with four centuries from five matches against Pakistan and New Zealand to solidify his place in the Australian XI and emerge as one of the best long-form batsmen in the game.
“It’s given me a time to sit back and think about everything that has happened,” Labuschagne said about the coronavirus-enforced break.
“It has been a really special year for me. The way things have unfolded, it’s been awesome.
“For me it’s about, one, taking it all in, being happy and proud of it.
“But also looking at how to get better from that. Also looking at different parts of your game, on field and off field that you can work on in this period to make sure you’re always getting better.”
Labuschagne did not have an Indian Premier League for the tournament which would’ve been played now but has been postponed, although he had an eye on Australia’s Test tour of Bangladesh in June which has also been suspended.
Instead with international travel restrictions, he’s looking forward to the 2020-21 domestic season with his state Queensland, although he’s unclear on how pre-season training will look.
Currently states in Australia have different rules around social activity and gatherings, with Queensland restricted to indoor and outdoor gatherings of only two people from separate households.
“State teams are going to have to get creative with their trainings,” he said.
“Hopefully by the time pre-season starts in June there are some relaxations on regulations and potentially have 10 people training with social distancing.
“We’ll have to see how it all pans out. I’m itching to get back to the nets soon.”