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Labuschagne ‘happy’ to open as he eyes Test return
Labuschagne Open to a New Role for National Return
Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has expressed his willingness to open the batting in Test cricket if it helps him secure a place back in the national XI. Known for his consistent performances over the years, Labuschagne has endured a dip in red-ball form recently, leading to his omission from the West Indies Test series earlier this year.
Despite the setback, the 31-year-old remains determined to make a strong comeback, with the home Ashes series on the horizon. Speaking to News Corp, Labuschagne admitted that while batting at No.3 has been his career-long preference, he is open to adapting for the team’s needs.
“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’d be happy to do that if it means playing in the Test team,” he said.
Competition for Places in the Test XI
Labuschagne’s regular spot at No.3 has been taken by Cameron Green in recent Tests, while young opener Sam Konstas failed to make a strong impression in his three-match stint. With Australia looking to stabilise its top order, the door remains open for Labuschagne to return in a different role.
He will have the chance to push his case with three Sheffield Shield matches and a series of ODIs against South Africa before the Ashes. For more insights into Australia’s upcoming fixtures and team changes, read our detailed Australia cricket schedule preview.
Labuschagne’s Immediate Focus After Axing
Turning Disappointment into Motivation
The moment selectors informed him about his exclusion from the West Indies Tests, Labuschagne’s mind immediately shifted to how he could feature in the Ashes.
“It was tough because you never want to be dropped. But as soon as their words came out, I thought, ‘Okay, how am I playing the Ashes and how do I make that happen?’,” Labuschagne reflected.
Being left out also provided him with a rare opportunity to reset mentally and technically. “This gave me time to reflect without the constant media pressure. Proving the doubters wrong is something I thrive on,” he added.
Building Towards the Ashes
The Ashes series, set to be hosted in Australia later this year, is one of the most high-profile events in the cricketing calendar. Labuschagne knows the competition for spots will be intense and believes this period is crucial for regaining form.
Apart from ODIs, his domestic performances will play a significant role in determining whether he earns a recall. Fans will be closely watching how he adapts to the challenge of possibly opening the batting against England’s world-class pace attack.
For full details on the Ashes 2025 fixtures, squads, and ticket information, visit the official Cricket Australia website.
