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Labuschagne Ends Lean Patch With Century In Domestic Cricket For Ashes Return Bid

Kaushik Kashyap

Marnus Labuschagne for Queensland. [Source - Fancode]Marnus Labuschagne for Queensland. [Source - Fancode]

Australia's batting star Marnus Labuschagne reminded everyone of his class with a timely return to form by silencing doubts over his form with a statement-making century in the first match of Australia’s domestic One Day tournament. With questions around his place, the Queenslander stood tall against Victoria, crafting a masterful 130-run knock.

The right-hander had a huge dip in form across formats in the last few months, and was also dropped from the playing XI in the recent Test series against West Indies, raising concerns for him ahead of a busy summer for Australia. However, in familiar conditions on Wednesday, Labuschagne delivered a controlled yet authoritative knock, guiding Queensland to a comfortable position.

It was Labuschagne’s first century since his knock for Glamorgan against Gloucestershire in county cricket back in June last year, followed by an entire 2024–25 summer without a single big knock, something highly uncharacteristic of someone like Labuschagne.

Captain Labuschagne's Ton Lifts Queensland Past 300

Captaining Queensland in their first one-day game of the summer, Labuschagne had to come into the middle early after the first wicket, on what looked like a green deck at the Allan Border Field. With the ability that has long defined his batting, he negotiated the initial phase well and steadied the innings while wickets kept falling around him.

Patient yet commanding, he reached his century in 92 balls, his first in List A cricket since September 2023 against South Africa. Comprising 17 crisp boundaries and a towering six against Glenn Maxwell, the knock not only showcased his rediscovered touch but also propelled Queensland to an above par total of 310.

The way he countered the spinners was a delight to watch, mixing calmness with calculated aggression. His return to form will come as a welcome boost not only for Queensland but also for the national selectors, given his continued presence in Australia Test and ODI plans. With the Ashes series just around the corner, this innings could well be the spark that reignites his push for a Test recall as well.