Take it from Marnus Labuschagne, who’s hoping to bounce back big time. He is set to lead out Australia for their first Test against England, hopefully in admonished form of Perth. After his dismissal from the national team earlier this year, Labuschagne has returned with strong performances. He’s demonstrating the same aggression that saw him win the 2023 ICC Cricketer of the Year.
Labuschagne’s return to form comes at an interesting time. This gives Australian selectors the opportunity to play both all-rounders Cameron Green & Beau Webster in the XI. His 2023 to date in particular has all but locked him in as one of their foundational building blocks. Those highlight his versatility, though, as he adjusts to an opening role.
In the one-day format, Labuschagne recently demonstrated his skill by scoring a near-chanceless century, amassing 101 runs from 111 balls during a match at Sydney’s Cricket Central on Monday. It was his third one-day century of the season and a career third ton. It will only enhance his claims as he looks ahead to the Ashes series. In a lot of ways he was the most important factor in Queensland’s success. By posting a hefty 287-run target, he pushed the Bulls to a successful 96-run victory against NSW. The Blues were soon in trouble and ultimately fell for 191 in reply.
With five tons in only eight innings to open the summer, Labuschagne certainly has rediscovered his form. He has achieved impressive milestones as a result, including two Sheffield Shield centuries. Impressively, he completed all of his hundreds while playing from the No. 3 batting order slot. Despite currently being outside Australia’s first-choice XI, his performances have made him the form batter in the country, rendering him almost certain to be recalled for the upcoming Ashes series.
The selectors love Labuschagne’s proven ability to succeed and his ability to succeed under pressure. It’ll be important for him to continue this momentum as he transitions into a new batting order slot. His experience and skill will be paramount to Australia’s chances against England, a historic and highly-anticipated rivalry.
