Star batter Marnus Labuschagne recently spoke about being dropped from the Australian Test squad following lacklustre form. Labuschagne wasn't part of Australia's Test squad for the series against West Indies, which they swept 3-0. This marked the first time since 2019 that he was left out of the team, following a period of disappointing performances. Over the past two years, he had scored just 974 runs in 20 Tests at an average of 27.82.
Marnus Labuschagne on his Test exclusion
His spot in the side was already under scrutiny leading into the World Test Championship final. In that match against South Africa, he was asked to open the batting but managed scores of only 17 and 22 across two innings, which ultimately led to his exclusion from the team. Following his omission, Labuschagne was given the option to play county cricket or with the Australia A team. However, he chose to work directly with the coaching staff, focusing on regaining his form and earning his place back in the squad before the upcoming Ashes series.
This [being left out] has given me an opportunity to reflect and not having the pressure of the media saying, 'Marnus has got to go'. I mean that's part of the game. There is a tipping point but it's something I thrive on… proving the doubters wrong and being able to find a way. Missing those West Indies Tests gave me the chance to back and think, 'This is where I want to be and this is how I'm going to get there'," Labuschagne told News Corp.
When asked if he would be open to taking on the opening role to earn his way back into the team, Labuschagne expressed his eagerness to do so. He made it clear that he is willing to do whatever it takes to return to the Australian squad.
"I would be happy to do that - I would love to. If opener is where I need to bat to be playing in the Test team, that's fine. If you had asked me where I prefer to bat obviously I have batted at three my whole career, but at this stage you don't get a choice. I opened in the World Test Championship final and felt I batted quite well. I got in but did not go on with it," he added.
After being left out of the Test series against the West Indies, Marnus Labuschagne is poised to make a comeback to Australia's ODI squad for the series against South Africa. Following this, he is scheduled to play three Sheffield Shield matches for Queensland, which will be his final chance to impress selectors before the Ashes squad is chosen in mid-November.
Labuschagne's place in the team has been a subject of concern, particularly with Cameron Green's strong recent performances at number three. Green's potential to move into the middle order if he returns to bowling duties further complicates Labuschagne's situation. Labuschagne's recent form in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle saw him score 974 runs in 20 Tests at an average of 27.82, including one century and eight half-centuries. His upcoming performances will be critical in his bid to secure a spot in the Ashes squad, with the series set to begin in Perth on November 21.