Marnus Labuschagne sends bold message to Pat Cummins, plots Ashes 2025-26 return

Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne said that he wants to reclaim his spot in the Test team ahead of the Ashes series, scheduled to take place later this year. The right-handed batter also stated that he used the break from the Australia national cricket team without media pressure to prove critics wrong.

Marnus, who had been a regular in Australia’s Test team since 2019, was dropped for the West Indies series after averaging just 27.82 with one century over the past two years. He last played in the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June but scored only 17 and 22 while opening the innings.

It Was Tough Because You Never Want to Be Dropped - Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne described being dropped from the team as tough. The 31-year-old said the setback motivated him to reclaim his spot for the upcoming Ashes series.

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"It was tough because you never want to be dropped," Labuschagne told News Corp in his first interview since losing his spot.

"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'."

I Would Be Happy to Do That - Marnus Labuschagne on Opening in Tests

Marnus Labuschagne said that he is willing to return to the Test side, even if it means opening the batting again. He added that he performed reasonably well as an opener during the World Test Championship final, which gives him confidence to take on the position again.

"I would be happy to do that - I would love to,'' he said. "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."

Marnus Labuschagne Set to Return to Australia’s ODI Squad for South Africa Series

After being left out of the West Indies Test series, Marnus Labuschagne is set to return to Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. Following that, he will play three Sheffield Shield matches for Queensland before the Ashes squad is picked in mid-November.

There have been concerns over Labuschagne’s position, especially with Cameron Green performing well at No. 3 recently. Green could bat in the middle order if he resumes bowling duties.

Labuschagne scored 974 runs in 20 Tests at an average of 27.82, including 8 half-centuries and one century during the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle. His upcoming games will be crucial in convincing selectors to pick him for the Ashes, which begins in Perth on November 21.

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