Sachin Tendulkar's straight drive, Virat Kohli's cover drive among Labuschagne's favourite shots

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne has named legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s straight drive and Virat Kohli’s cover drive as his two favourite shots. Labuschagne said he adored the two cricketers for the way they managed to bring perfection and energy to those two shots. Tendulkar used to play a picture-perfect straight drive that would mesmerize the onlookers. Meanwhile, Kohli’s cover drive is a shot that has managed to earn him praises from his contemporaries and fans.

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“For a righty, I’m gonna start with a Sachin Tendulkar’s straight drive. That was a shot you loved seeing. So crisp and pure. Then I’m gonna go with Ponting’s pull shot - his trademark. Everyone loved seeing the full flow of that,” Labuschagne said in a chat with cricket.com.au.
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“I’m gonna have to go with Virat Kohli’s cover drive. I think the way he plays it, the sort of energy that he brings on that ball.

The Australia batter also was effusive in praise of former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen and said his play on the leg side amused him a lot. “Then Kevin Pietersen’s that sort of leg-side shot. Also Pietersen’s aggression at the crease. I love the way he was at the crease. Very similar to Virat Kohli,” he added.

Meanwhile, Labuschagne has had a terrific start to his Test career. In just 21 matches, he has scored 2114 runs. The 27-year-old also is the new number one ranked Test batter. His insatiable appetite for scoring runs often draws comparisons to Steve Smith. Labuschagne also picked Steve Smith on the list of batters he admires.

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“I’m gonna have to go with Steve Smith’s hunger for runs and determination and adaptability. And then I have to get Jacques Kallis’ temperament and ability to stay at the crease.