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Marnus Labuschagne Happy To Open To Win Back His Spot In Ashes
Follow UsThe 31-year-old was axed from the playing XI for the recent three-match series against West Indies
Marnus Labuschagne is ready to do whatever it takes to reclaim his spot in Australia’s Test side, even if that means opening the batting in the Ashes.
The 31-year-old, who has spent most of his career at No.3, was axed from the playing XI for the recent three-match series against West Indies after a lean run with the bat since 2023. Cameron Green was slotted in at first drop, while youngster Sam Konstas partnered Usman Khawaja at the top. However, neither opener impressed, leaving the door ajar for Labuschagne’s return.
"If you had asked me where I prefer to bat, obviously I have 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 did not go on with it. I would be happy to do that. I would love to. If opener is where I need to bat to be playing in the Test team, that's fine," Labuschagne told News Corp.
Labuschagne did indeed open in that WTC final against South Africa in June, making 17 off 56 and 22 off 64. Across his first-class career, he has scored 562 runs in 17 innings as an opener at an average of 33.06. Australia’s next Test assignment is the Ashes, starting November 21, but Labuschagne will have three Sheffield Shield matches to push his case.
Reflecting on being dropped, Labuschagne admitted it was tough but quickly shifted his focus towards an Ashes comeback. "It was tough because you never want to be dropped. But almost as soon as their (selectors) words came out my mind shifted straight away to, 'Okay, how am I playing the Ashes ... how do I make that happen?'.
"This (on being dropped) has given me an opportunity to reflect and not having the pressure of the media saying, 'Marnus has got to go'. 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 being able to find a way. Missing those West Indies Tests gave me the chance to back and think, 'This is where I want to be and this is how I'm going to get there'."