OODGEROO MP Mark Robinson and Cr Peter Mitchell have heaped praise on Redlands cricketer Marnus Labuschagne for his Ashes heroics.
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The 25-year-old dismantled England's fast bowling cartel after being brought into the test side as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith, who was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the second test match of the series.
Labuschagne copped a blow to the head himself during his debut Ashes innings but went on to become Australia's second highest series run-scorer with 353 runs at an average of a tick over 50.
His match saving innings at two of England's oldest cricket grounds - Lord's and Old Trafford - drew comparisons to Steve Smith, whose career average of 64.6 has led many to suggest he is the best Australian batsman since Don Bradman.
Mr Robinson told Parliament that Labuschagne was one of Redlands' favourite sons.
"If there was ever a testament to junior sport and junior cricket in the Redlands, it is Marnus," he said.
"Girls and boys out there each weekend, striving to be their best in their chosen sport, can look to Marnus for inspiration because a few short years ago he was one of them."
Labuschagne, a devout Christian, batted with his favourite Bible verse stuck to the bottom of his bat alongside a photo of an eagle.
The verse read "But those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall soar on wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not be faint'.
Mr Robinson said the verse summed up his Ashes series and his coming of age as a cricketer.
"His rise from a young immigrant from South Africa playing for Redlands Tigers as an 11-year-old boy to becoming a mainstay of the Australian top order shows the strength of junior cricket in our area," he said.
"(It is) a testament to the coaches and volunteers of clubs like Redlands Tigers and Cleveland Thornlands Cougars and other clubs in the Redlands."
People that know Labuschagne say he is a cricket tragic who invents quirky household games to satisfy his competitive streak.
A video of him catching corn in his kitchen went viral after he pulled off a stunning short leg catch against India as a fielding sub in 2014.
Cr Peter Mitchell said he had become Redlands' answer to Mr Cricket.
"It is as a person and a role model of strong character that his family and the city should be most proud," he said.
"I know his mum Alta well and she and her husband are bursting with pride about the man she has helped raise."
Labuschagne is likely to be picked for the first test match of the Australian summer at the Gabba against Pakistan on November 21.
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