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World Cup snubbed Marnus Labuschagne sent out a strong message to Australian Cricket Board with his robust century in the second ODI against South Africa on September 9, Saturday. The match-winning knock in the first ODI and now a splendid ton in the second, his recent batting exploits are hard to ignore.
His sheer talent was on display when he stepped in as a concussion substitute during the first ODI against South Africa. Not just filling a spot, he confidently carved an unbeaten score of 80, showcasing his potential and caliber. His brilliance didn't stop there. In the subsequent ODI on Saturday, Labuschagne notched up a magnificent century.
Joining the crease with Australia's scoreboard reading 109/2, courtesy of a brisk start by David Warner and Travis Head, Labuschagne took charge.
Forming a formidable 151-run partnership with Warner for the third wicket, the batting sensation played with undeniable confidence. Displaying a range of shots and maintaining the momentum set by his predecessors, he reached his century with a stylish reverse sweep. He cracked 124 off 99 riding on 19 fours and a maximum.
Crunching the numbers, Labuschagne's cricket journey has been nothing short of impressive. With this century, he also crossed the 1,000 ODI run-mark in just 30 innings and currently boasts an average exceeding 38.
This century against South Africa marks his second in ODIs, complemented by seven half-centuries. It's worth noting that his prowess especially shines against South Africa: an average of over 100, accumulating more than 300 runs, with both his ODI centuries and an additional fifty coming against the Proteas.
Analysing his performance based on the location, Labuschagne’s records are commendable. In away matches, played on opposition turf, he has raked in over 750 runs with an average nearing 43. This tally includes two centuries and three half-centuries. While playing at home, the right-handed dynamo has accumulated 262 runs at an average of 29.11.
With such an extraordinary string of performances, Labuschagne has undoubtedly made a compelling case for his inclusion in the World Cup squad. Whether or not he boards the plane to India, his contributions to Australian cricket are undeniable.
Earlier, David Warner opened the innings with Travis Head, and the duo went all guns blazing from the first ball. Warner scored 106 (93), which included 12 fours and three sixes. With the knock, Warner broke several records.
It was David’s 46th century across formats, and he went past Sachin Tendulkar to be the sole holder of most hundreds as an opener in international cricket.
Here is the list of hundreds in cricket as an opener.
David Warner (AUS) – 46
Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 45
Chris Gayle (WI) – 42
Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) – 41
Matthew Hayden (AUS) – 40
Besides, Labuschagne, David Warner and Travis Head, Josh Inglis too chipped in with a brisk 37-balls 50 to help Australia post a colossal total of 392/8 despite Tabraiz Shamsi four-wicket spell.
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