Marnus Smashes Another Century Cementing His Place in the Ashes Squad
Marnus Labuschagne continues to demonstrate his dominance in domestic cricket, solidifying his position for the upcoming Ashes series. His recent performance for Queensland has all but guaranteed his selection for the first Test in Perth next month.
Marnus Labuschagne’s Stellar Performance
At Adelaide Oval, Labuschagne showcased his batting prowess against South Australia. He began day two unbeaten on 55 and later reached a remarkable fourth century in five innings, completing his century in just 129 balls. This display of skill reinforces his status as a prime candidate for the Ashes.
Impressive Statistics
- Centuries Scored: 4 in 5 innings
- Recent Scores: 130, 160, 105
- Century Against South Australia: 129 balls
Labuschagne had been the frontrunner to partner Usman Khawaja in the Test opening lineup. His consistency at the crease has made him an essential pick as other competitors falter. Bookmakers are now almost certain of his inclusion in the final squad.
Competition Heats Up
While Labuschagne shines, other players are also pressing for selection. Tasmanian Jake Weatherald narrowly missed out on a century against Western Australia. He scored 94 on a challenging wicket that had already seen 21 dismissals in just four sessions of play.
Weatherald’s Performance
- Previous Innings: 2 half-centuries in the opening round
- Latest Score: 94 against WA
Weatherald’s strong start last season also keeps him in the mix for the Ashes. Meanwhile, in the match between Victoria and NSW, the bowling attack proved formidable, with Fergus O’Neill taking 5 wickets for just 26 runs.
Bowling Dominance
Scott Boland also made his mark, taking 3 wickets for 59 runs. As the national selectors focus on bowling depth for the Ashes, performances like these are critical.
In summary, as the Ashes approach, Marnus Labuschagne is firmly cementing his place with his remarkable form, ensuring selectors have a tough yet rewarding decision ahead.
