Marnus Labuschagne sends clear message to selectors ahead of The Ashes, slams fine century for Queensland

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne scored a fantastic century for Queensland in their encounter against Victoria in the One-Day Cup. This comes after the 31-year-old was dropped from the squad in the Baggy Greens' previous red-ball assignment against West Indies. This century will definitely be a major confidence booster for the Queensland skipper, who has been out-of-form for quite some time.

Labuschagne played a stunning knock of 130 runs from 116 deliveries and carried Queensland to a formidable total of 310/5 in 50 overs. His inning included 17 boundaries and a six and eventually proved to be the difference as despite Glenn Maxweell's thumping hundred, Victoria fell 55 runs short of the target and got bundled out for 255.

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These are the kind of performances that can see Labuschagne get back into Australia's T20I set-up ahead of the crucial Ashes series. His inning against Victoria is definitely a step in the right direction and he will be looking to maintain this form as the One-Day Cup progresses.

Labuschagne confident about red-ball return

Following the match, Labuschagne remarked that he has been working incredibly hard ever since the World Test Championship final against South Africa and also expressed confidence in getting back to Australia's red-ball squad.

"I just trusted my game today and it was nice to be playing at my best and trusting my instincts. I think it always happens at some stage in your career where you are searching ... and you get a little muddled and not as clear," Labuschagne said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"The last two months I've played lots of games and I'm getting that feel of the game back after three months of not playing, from the [World] Test Championship until now. Nothing else matters but runs. The format doesn't matter. I know if I am playing my best I will find my way in the team. My goal is to be there for the first Test. The only way you can do that is with performances on the board," he added.

Labuschagne also opened up on the position that he would like to bat on for Australia. Even though he is known to bat well at No.3, the 31-year-old is also open to batting as an opener alongside Usman Khawaja.

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"I don't care where I bat, if I have to open or bat three. The fact of the matter is that when you are not in the team you don't have the luxury of choosing where you bat," Labuschagne stated.