Run-hungry Marnus Labuschagne smashed his fourth century in five innings on Thursday to make an emphatic case to be in Australia's side for the opening Test of the Ashes against England.
The Queensland captain was dropped ahead of Australia's mid-year Test tour of the West Indies after a prolonged lean period.
But he has come roaring back to stake his claim to be part of the team that turns up in Perth on November 21.
Batting at three, he hit 159 off 197 balls against South Australia, while Test opener Usman Khawaja hit a composed 46.
Labuschagne's ton backed up the 160 he made in the opening round of Sheffield Shield against Tasmania. He has also smashed two 50-over centuries this season.
The 31-year-old opened with Khawaja in the losing World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June.
But a growing chorus of former greats, led by David Warner and Matthew Hayden, are convinced he should return to his usual spot at number three.
That would mean all-rounder Cameron Green moves back to six and misses Beau Webster in Perth, with the question of who opens with Khawaja still to be resolved.
Incumbent opener Sam Konstas' quest to retain his place has not gone well.
After a forgettable West Indies series, the 20-year-old was dismissed for a four-ball duck while playing for New South Wales against Victoria on Wednesday.
He made just four and 14 against Western Australia last week, giving the selectors plenty to think about.
Published on October 16, 2025
