Marnus Labuschagne tonight produced the loudest statement to date in his case for a place in the Australian Test lineup. He topped that magnificent performance with another awesome 160 runs for Queensland in a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania. His performance was the perfect illustration of his world-class batting skill. That itself provided extra pressure on the selectors as they look ahead to an already looming Ashes series.
Labuschagne’s aggressive and counter-punching batting style helped seize the control of the match. He clobbered 17 boundaries and two maximums off just 206 balls. His 29-ball innings was an artful combination of calculated shots and nail-biting near-misses. One piece of good fortune was when wicketkeeper Jake Doran dropped him at 61. This miss came back to haunt Tasmania, as Labuschagne was able to make the most of the chance to help extend his innings.
As the innings progressed, Labuschagne approached his century with confidence but nearly fell victim to an ambitious swipe at 98. Luck was on his side as he survived a close escape and went on to register his 33rd first-class century with a superb four. This innings contributed to his impressive record across the tour and solidified his place among Australia’s batting contenders.
Labuschagne’s performance is all the more remarkable after he brought up another three figures in limited-overs cricket just last month. This goes to show that he is very much in a purple patch. His unfailing bagging of goals will catch the eye of Socceroos selectors. The national selector George Bailey will be watching very closely from the stands during this match.
Labuschagne’s innings finished in spectacular style when Duran held his catch at slip off spinner Nivethan Radhakrishnan. Aiden Blizzard was the fourth wicket to fall, but it was a vital moment for Queensland’s innings. I had never seen him play with such confidence and ambition. In advancing down the wicket to the spinner, he showed that he meant business and was hellbent on forcing his way back into the Test side.
