Labuschagne Hits Another Century to Push for Ashes Recall

Marnus Labuschagne has continued his domestic resurgence, scoring his fourth century in five innings and putting himself firmly back in contention for a spot in Australia’s Ashes squad.

The 31-year-old Queensland batter crafted a commanding 159 on day two of Queensland’s Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia. This innings follows scores of 130 and 105 in Australia’s domestic 50-over competition, as well as 160 in his previous red-ball match, marking a significant return to form for a player who struggled in recent international outings.

Labuschagne has now accumulated 11 Test centuries in 58 appearances, averaging 40.64 against England across 14 matches, yet he has been absent from the national side since being dropped for Australia’s three-Test series against the West Indies earlier this year. That decision came after a slump in form, during which he averaged just 24.74 across 30 innings without a Test century, his longest drought since debuting.

Return to Form

Labuschagne’s recent run of centuries signals a player finding rhythm and confidence again. “I feel like I’m back to the cricket I want to play,” he said after reaching his 159-run milestone. “The key has been patience and focusing on one innings at a time. These performances don’t guarantee selection, but they certainly put my case forward.”

Australia’s selectors will view his resurgence as a timely boost ahead of the three-Test Ashes series in Perth, beginning on 21 November. While Labuschagne’s form is encouraging, it does not completely resolve Australia’s ongoing issues with their top order.

Batting Order Challenges

Labuschagne has previously opened in Tests, most recently in the World Test Championship final defeat to South Africa, scoring 17 and 22. However, he has largely been more effective at number three, the position where all of his Test hundreds have come. Queensland has reinstated him at this familiar spot, allowing him to build confidence in his natural role.

Australia’s search for a reliable opener remains a pressing concern. Youngsters like 20-year-old Sam Konstas have struggled to make an impact. Konstas, who played in the West Indies series, managed only 50 runs across six innings and has failed to surpass 50 in four innings in domestic cricket this season, including a four-ball duck to Scott Boland on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Tasmania’s uncapped opener Jake Weatherald has strengthened his case with a valiant 94 off 99 balls against Western Australia, keeping selectors’ options open for the start of the Ashes.

Strategic Options for Selectors

If Labuschagne were to be recalled and played at number three, this would give Australia greater flexibility with their line-up. Cameron Green could occupy the number three spot or move up if Labuschagne opened, while Beau Webster could return to the middle order once he recovers from his ankle injury.

Green’s performance at number three has been inconsistent, with only one fifty in eight innings since being promoted for the Test final against South Africa. However, his all-round abilities provide balance to the batting and bowling units, making him a valuable asset if Labuschagne returns in his preferred position.

Selectors face a delicate balancing act. While Labuschagne’s form makes him a strong contender, Australia still needs to address the top-order gap and ensure that both opening positions are secure for the Ashes opener in Perth. The combination of form, experience, and fitness will likely dictate the final selection decisions.

Looking Ahead to the Ashes

The Ashes series looms large, and Australia will be keen to start strongly on home soil. Labuschagne’s recent performances will put pressure on the selectors to reinstate him, not only for his run-scoring ability but also for his proven temperament in high-pressure series.

With the series against India commencing with a three-match one-day international set beginning this Sunday, players like Cameron Green and Beau Webster are also under the microscope. Their fitness and performance will further shape the Ashes squad composition, particularly in the middle order where consistency has been lacking.

Labuschagne’s experience, combined with his current form, may ultimately tip the scales in his favor. If selected, he would bring stability and a wealth of experience to Australia’s top order, which is crucial against a confident and well-prepared England side.

‍