Marnus Labuschagne’s purple catch continued in domestic season as he scored his fourth century in five innings. Queensland captain scored 159 against Nathan McSweeney's South Australia at Adelaide Oval in the Sheffield Shield encounter.
On Day 2, Labuschagne had to walk out to bat in the 12th over after Nathan McAndrew got the better of Angus Lovell. The skipper joined Usman Khawaja in the middle.
Labuschagne was in control for a better part of his knock. He played with soft hands against the new ball and edges fell short of the slip fielders. He shared a 56-run partnership for the second wicket with Usman Khawaja. The opener scored 46 runs from 73 balls.
Labuschagne took 129 deliveries to reach his 34th first-class century. He was congratulated by opposition wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
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Labuschagne and Lachlan Hearne shared a 136-run partnership for the fourth wicket. It was pacer Wes Agar who ended Labuschagne’s stay at the crease. He edged one to wicketkeeper Carey, but not before he hit 19 fours and a six from 197 balls to score 159 runs.
He led from the front and helped Queensland take a lead after Michael Neser and Mitchell Swepson's four-fers bowled out South Africa for 228.
Labuschagne's stellar run -
In his previous appearance, he scored a 105-run knock against Tasmania in List A game. He scored a century each against Tasmania and Victoria in the ongoing Sheffield Shield.
Calls against giving opening spot to Ashes -
Former Australian openers David Warner and Matthew Hayden have advised against promoting Labuschagne as opener. Currently, Australia selectors face an uphill task deciding Khawaja’s opening partner. Young Sam Konstas has not been consistent enough and it took just four deliveries from Scott Boland to set up the opener.
Warner has backed Konstas to come good against Ben Stokes-led England. Labuschagne who did not get a chance in the playing XI on West Indies tour is likely to retain his place in the squad. Based on current form, the selectors may go with him for no.3 spot instead of Cameron Green.