Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne is highly motivated to prove his doubters wrong and earn a recall to the Test side ahead of the upcoming Ashes, scheduled to be played later this year.
After the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s — which Australia lost — Labuschagne was dropped from the Test side for the first time since 2019. Having averaged 27.82 with one century over the previous two years, his omission came amid a prolonged dip in form.
“This [being left out] has given me an opportunity to reflect, without the pressure of the media saying, ‘Marnus has got to go’,” Labuschagne told News Corp in his first interview since losing his spot. “I mean, that’s part of the game — there is a tipping point. But it’s something I thrive on: proving the doubters wrong and finding a way. Missing those West Indies Tests gave me the chance to sit back and think, ‘This is where I want to be, and this is how I’m going to get there’.”
Australian cricket is currently facing a selection conundrum. Since David Warner’s retirement, the team has struggled to find a reliable opening partner for Usman Khawaja. Several players — including Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Labuschagne himself — have been trialled, but none have cemented the role.
You don’t get a choice: Labuschagne on his preferred batting position
While selectors may give Cameron Green an extended run at number three, one opening slot remains up for grabs — and Labuschagne says he is willing to open again, if asked.
“If opener is where I need to bat to play in the Test team, that’s fine. If you asked me where I prefer to bat, obviously I’ve batted at three my whole career — but at this stage, you don’t get a choice. I opened in the World Test Championship final and felt I batted quite well. I got in, but didn’t go on with it.”
Labuschagne still has a chance to push for Ashes selection through strong performances for Queensland in this season’s Sheffield Shield.
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