Labuschagne Makes Emphatic Ashes Case With Another Sheffield Shield Century
Marnus Labuschagne has made a compelling case for an Ashes recall, scoring a commanding 159 for Queensland on day two of their Sheffield Shield clash against South Australia at the Adelaide Oval. It was his fourth century of the season, and second in as many Shield innings, as he continued a blistering run of form.
Labuschagne’s knock guided Queensland to 319 for 6 at stumps, giving them a lead of 91 runs over South Australia’s first-innings total of 228, with Lachlan Hearne unbeaten on 66.
Having been dropped from the Australian Test side in June after a prolonged slump, Labuschagne has bounced back in remarkable fashion. Across all formats this summer, he has now scored 556 runs at an average of 111.2, including two centuries in 50-over matches.
His latest innings was another display of fluency and control. He struck 18 boundaries and one six off Lloyd Pope, playing confidently off both front and back foot, driving through the covers and down the ground with authority. Spinners were dispatched to mid-on and mid-wicket with typical finesse.
Labuschagne reached his century off 129 balls, clipping Liam Scott to the boundary, earning applause from Australian Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey. He eventually fell late in the day, caught behind off Wes Agar.
Back to His Best
The 31-year-old looked every bit the player who rose to world No.1 Test batter between late 2021 and early 2023. His technique appeared assured, with almost no false strokes aside from a thick edge early in his innings and one edge that dropped just short of second slip while on 31. Both were played with soft hands, showing a return to form and clarity at the crease.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald had recently stated that Labuschagne looked “back near his best”, and this innings will only strengthen the case for his recall ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.
Selection Puzzle for Australia
The main question for selectors now is where to bat Labuschagne. His preferred spot is No. 3, where he’s batted for much of his Test career. However, opening remains a possibility given Australia's lack of clear options to partner Usman Khawaja.
Out-of-form contenders like Sam Konstas, Marcus Harris, and Cameron Bancroft have failed to impress so far this Shield season. The only other opener in real form is Jake Weatherald, who made 94 for Tasmania against Western Australia on Thursday.
If selectors opt to push Labuschagne up to open, it would allow Cameron Green to bat at No. 3 and possibly keep Beau Webster at No. 6, depending on his recovery from an ankle injury. However, several former stars, including David Warner and Matthew Hayden, have cautioned against moving Labuschagne from his natural position.
Khawaja contributed a steady 46 before falling caught behind, while Hearne’s patient half-century at the close added to Queensland’s strong position.
With runs flowing and the Ashes looming, Marnus Labuschagne’s timely resurgence could prove pivotal in Australia’s bid to reclaim the urn on home soil.