The Ashes: Australia's Marnus Labuschagne boosts selection hopes with fourth hundred in five innings
Key Takeaways
- Marnus Labuschagne scored his fourth domestic hundred in five innings (159 runs), bolstering his bid for an Australia Test recall.
- Labuschagne was dropped before the recent West Indies tour, and his previous Test appearances included opening the batting against South Africa.
- Former opener David Warner advocates for Labuschagne's return at number three, not as an opener.
- Sam Konstas is being supported by Warner to retain his opening spot despite inconsistent performances since his debut.
- Uncapped Jake Weatherald is another strong contender for an opening role, having registered three consecutive Shield fifties.
Marnus Labuschagne is making a compelling argument for his recall to the Australia Test team for The Ashes after hitting his fourth hundred in five domestic innings, scoring 159 for Queensland against South Australia. Labuschagne was previously axed ahead of the West Indies tour, and his return raises questions about the opening batting position, which has been unsettled since the World Test Championship final. Former opener David Warner believes Labuschagne is worthy of a recall but should bat at his traditional number three spot, advocating for 20-year-old Sam Konstas to be given another opportunity at the top of the order despite inconsistent recent form. Konstas, who debuted strongly but has struggled since, has Warner's backing to overcome early career nerves, especially with England lacking a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah. However, uncapped Jake Weatherald is also mounting a strong challenge for an opening berth, having posted three consecutive Sheffield Shield fifties, suggesting a competitive selection battle ahead of the first Test in Perth on November 21st.
