Australia`s Marnus Labuschagne has smashed his fifth century in eight innings. The knock came ahead of the Ashes Test series against England, hinting at its rich vein of form.
Facing 111 balls, the right-hander accumulated 101 runs, with the help of six boundaries and a maximum against New South Wales in Sydney. Earlier, he was dropped from Australia`s squad mid-tour of the West Indies as he was going through a rough patch.
The century also marked his third ton in the ongoing season in the 50-over format. His two centuries came in the Sheffield Shield.
“The only one I can think of is probably 2019 at Glamorgan as a period of time,” Labuschagne told reporters when asked if this period was his best ever run of form. “But probably not across both formats.
“With both formats I feel like my batting is in a really nice place, just trusting my skills and trusting myself out there … It`s all coming together,” he added.
His current form may help him make the cut in Australia`s opening match of the Test series against England. The first match is scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
So far, all his runs have come while batting at number three. On the other hand, the Aussies are struggling to find a partner for Usman Khawaja at the top, and Labuschagne remains the top contender for the spot.
Australia are expected to name their Ashes squad this week.
Should Labuschagne open, then Cameron Green would likely stay at three ahead of Steve Smith and Travis Head, with all-rounder Beau Webster retaining his place at six. If Australia opt for a specialist opener, with Matt Renshaw, Sam Konstas and Jake Weatherald in contention, then Green is expected to drop to six and Webster will miss out.
“I`m prepared either way. It doesn`t concern me where I`m batting. The important thing is my process and trying to be consistent. That`s what`s important,” said Labuschagne, who has 11 Test centuries. “The important thing is my process and trying to be consistent.
Additionally, skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Test match against the “Three Lions” due to a back injury. In his place, Steve Smith will take over the leadership duties.
(With AFP Inputs)