Marnus Labuschagne fighting for return in Australia Test side saying that he thrives on proving the doubters wrong.
In the midst of the continuous discussion regarding the composition of Australia’s top three when they arrive in Perth in late November, Marnus Labuschagne is feeling ready to begin his campaign for a Test comeback in time for the Ashes.
After averaging 27.82 and recording a century in the previous two years, Labuschagne was removed from the Test team for the first time since 2019 at the beginning of the most recent series in the West Indies.
He was given the option to leave that tour early in order to play for Australia A or county cricket, but he chose to stay the entire time and train hard with the coaching staff, something he has done ever since returning to Brisbane.
“This [being left out] has given me an opportunity to reflect and not having the pressure of the media saying, ‘Marnus has got to go’,” Labuschagne told News Corp in his first interview since losing his spot.
“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’.”
Cameron Green finished well at No. 3 against the West Indies in difficult batting conditions, but there is a chance that Green would drop back down the order if he were available to bowl. This raises the question of where he would go in the order if he makes a strong case for a recall.
Labuschagne was promoted to open in the World Test Championship final against South Africa in his penultimate Test match prior to his exclusion, where he scored 17 and 22. He would be happy to return if that were his path back.
“I would be happy to do that – I would love to,” he said. “If opener is where I need to bat to be playing in the Test team, that’s fine. 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.”