Marnus Labuschagne is ready to open the batting if it means reclaiming his spot in Australia’s Test team.
Marnus Labuschagne says he’s more than willing to walk out as an opener if that’s what it takes to get back in Australia’s Test side. The 31-year-old, once one of the most reliable No. 3s in world cricket, has been short of runs lately—enough for the selectors to drop him for the West Indies tour.
That’s left Cameron Green holding his preferred spot at first drop. And with youngster Sam Konstas failing to make a mark in his three tests, the top of the order could now be Labuschagne’s quickest route back.
“I’ve batted three my whole career, sure. But at this stage, you don’t get to choose,” Labuschagne told News Corp. “I opened in the World Test Championship final and felt I batted well. Didn’t kick on, but I’d be happy to do that again. If that’s where I need to be to play tests—that’s fine.”
He’s expected to be part of Australia’s ODI squad against South Africa this month, especially after Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell stepped away from the format. But really, his eyes are locked on the Ashes at home this summer.
Labuschagne says the moment selectors told him he was out, his mind went straight to the Ashes. No tests before then, so the plan now is three Sheffield Shield games plus those ODIs to sharpen up. “It’s tough—you never want to be dropped,” he said. “But as soon as they said it, my brain was already on, ‘OK, how do I get in for the Ashes?’”
Being left out also gave him breathing space. No daily headlines, no constant “Marnus has to go” chatter. “It’s given me a chance to reflect,” he said. “Look, that’s part of the game—there’s a tipping point. But I like proving doubters wrong. Missing those tests made me stop and think: This is where I want to be, and here’s how I’m going to get there.”