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Labuschagne aims to come back to Test cricket: I enjoy showing my critics that they’re wrong
Labuschagne aims to come back to Test cricket: I enjoy showing my critics that they’re wrong
Labuschagne was dropped from the Test side for the first time since 2019 at the start of the recent series in the West Indies, having averaged 27.82 with one hundred over the previous two years. he wants to be recalled into Australia's squad for the upcoming Ashes series.
Marnus Labuschagne is gearing up to fight for his spot in Australia’s Test team ahead of the Ashes series starting in Perth this November. He was dropped from the side for the first time since 2019 during the recent West Indies series, after averaging just 27.82 with one century over the past two years.
There were talks about him leaving the tour early to play county cricket or for Australia A, but he chose to stay and train hard with the coaching staff. He’s continued that intense preparation back home in Brisbane. Speaking about his omission, Labuschagne said it gave him a chance to reflect without the pressure of media criticism. He admitted he thrives on proving people wrong and is determined to find his way back into the team.
Head coach Andrew McDonald mentioned that Labuschagne’s absence wasn’t a major gap in the side. He’s still part of Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against South Africa and will have three Sheffield Shield games with Queensland to make his case before the Ashes squad is announced in mid-November.
If Labuschagne earns a recall, the question remains where he’ll bat. Cameron Green impressed at No. 3 during the West Indies series, but he might move down the order if he’s needed to bowl. Labuschagne’s last Test appearance was in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, where he opened the batting and scored 17 and 22. He said he’d be happy to open again if that’s what it takes to return to the team.
Although he prefers batting at No. 3, Labuschagne understands that he may not have a choice right now. He felt he batted well in the WTC final but couldn’t convert his starts into big scores. Now, he’s focused on doing whatever it takes to earn his place back on the Test side.