Labuschagne issues ominous comeback message after latest snub and ton

Marnus Labuschagne has declared his intention to regain his place in the Australian one-day side in time for the 2027 World Cup, even if it means biding his time in domestic cricket for the foreseeable future.

The Queensland skipper has continued to pile on the runs in his bid to reclaim his spot in the nation’s white and red ball sides ahead of a blockbuster Ashes summer, posting his third century of the season on Thursday.

In his first opportunity to prove Australian selectors may have missed a trick axing him from the one-day fold, the Bulls star responded emphatically - taking just two deliveries to show he was in for a long stint at the crease by punching Riley Meredith through the covers en route to an elegant 105.

His exploits on the batting paradise at the Allan Border Field followed his one-day hundred against Victoria, and Sheffield Shield 160 to force his way back into the Ashes frame.

While Labuschagne was fall of praise for Matt Renshaw, who was the beneficiary of the former missing out on the ODI series against India beginning on October 19, he stressed time was on his side to regain his place.

“Renners’ ability, strength and mixed with finesse is the reason he’s playing in that team ... and his ability to put opposition under pressure from ball one,” Labuschagne said.

“Whenever you’re not in an Australian team you’re disappointed, but I was very confident in the way I’m currently playing that I was going to come out here and score runs.

“I was really trusting my game, where my game’s at and how I’m playing. The 2027 World Cup is a long way away, and for me, that’s the goal – to be back in that one-day team in no time.

“I just want to be playing good cricket, that’s my focus right now – if it’s right now but means I’m not doing it for Australia at this minute that’s OK, I just want to be scoring runs consistently.

“I know when I get my opportunity back in the Test side or one-day side I’ll be ready to take it.”

Labuschagne’s ODI axing came after a lean period in the 50-over game for his country, averaging 13.80 in his past 10 knocks, and followed his demotion from the Test side ahead of the West Indies tour.

But is now back playing with a freedom which had alluded him for the best part of two years - his latest century was scored from just 89 deliveries.

Labuschagne struck eight boundaries and two sixes in the process, combining with Jack Clayton (64) for a 90-run partnership, only for the majority of the line-up to ultimately throw their wickets away.

His dismissal triggered a collapse of 7-70 to keep Tasmania well in the hunt, with Tim Ward (105), Jordan Silk (85 not out) and Caleb Jewel (79) chasing the 311 target with 10 balls to spare.

But Labuschagne was adamant he was back to his best touch.

“I’m in a really nice rhythm at the moment feeling the game and reading the game. I’ve been in this scenario before, the key is you just want to keep making sure you stay nice and consistent and start each innings again,” Labuschagne said.

“The thing when you’re playing nicely, you can try to overplay your hand and push it a bit, so I’m in a nice position now. Over time, my technique has been so different at different times in my career, so it’s nice to be in a space where I’m very clear.

“It’s very runs-based, and I want to be out there assessing the conditions, assessing what I need to do and how I need to play, and then moulding my technique to those conditions.”

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