Marnus Labuschagne certain to make Ashes return after smashing fourth century in five innings

Australian top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne was dropped from the Test squad following a series of underwhelming performances. Since 2024, Labuschagne has primarily batted at No. 3, scoring just 561 runs in 24 innings at an average of 26.71, with only six fifties to his name.

Consequently, he was left out of the squad for the West Indies tour, which followed Australia’s defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Cameron Green filled the No. 3 spot in Labuschagne’s absence, managing only

one fifty in six innings. However, the Queensland cricketer appears to have regained form in the Sheffield Shield, scoring four centuries in five competitive innings, including two back-to-back tons.

Labuschagne’s latest century came against South Australia in Adelaide, where he smashed 159 off just 197 balls, including 19 fours and a six, before being caught off Wes Agar. Prior to this, he recorded scores of 105 and 160 against Tasmania in the One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield, respectively.

In other recent performances, he scored just two runs in a 50-over contest against Western Australia, but had earlier slammed 130 against Victoria in the same competition. His latest knock helped Queensland take a 91-run lead with four wickets remaining at the end of Day 2. This knock also marked the 34th first-class century for the South Africa-born.

With the Ashes set to begin in just over a month, the 31-year-old may have given himself another chance to cement his place in Australia’s red-ball side. In his 58 Tests, Labuschagne has amassed 4,435 runs at an average of 46.19, including 11 centuries and 23 fifties.

If he continues this rich vein of form in domestic cricket, Labuschagne could be poised for a comeback in the Test arena, offering Australia a proven match-winner at No. 3 just in time for the Ashes. The first match between Australia and England as part of The Ashes 2025-26 is set to begin on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.