Labuschagne just made his fifth century in eight innings. This is his advice to Konstas

6 hours ago 3

Marnus Labuschagne has thrown his support behind Sam Konstas, saying the young opener will enjoy a long international career even if he doesn’t feature in this summer’s Ashes.

Labuschagne’s stunning run continued on Monday when he peeled off his fifth century in eight innings for Queensland this season – across red and white ball formats – as the Bulls beat NSW by 96 runs in a one-day match at Cricket Central in Sydney.

Konstas, meanwhile, made 47 as the Blues lost 8-68 to be bowled out for 191 in reply to Queensland’s 9-287.

With Australia’s Ashes squad set to be named this week, likely on Wednesday, Labuschagne underlined his imperious form with a gritty 101 after surviving a close lbw shout in his innings.

Since being axed from the Test team for Australia’s tour of the West Indies, Labuschagne has compiled domestic scores of 130, 2, 160, 105, 159, 18, 4 and 101 for 679 runs at an average of 84.9.

Asked if he was in the best touch of his career, Labuschagne said: “The only [time] I can think of is probably 2019 in Glamorgan but not across both formats.

“A little bit scrappy there at the start. Just didn’t get the rhythm there but just stuck at it.

“I feel like my batting is in a really nice place. As it’s been documented, there are a few things I’ve changed technically. It’s all sort of come together, and it’s nice that it’s worked so far.”

Konstas, 20, is almost certain to miss selection in a squad expected to include about 15 players. He remains upbeat but accepts that his international career is likely to be put on pause after Sheffield Shield scores of 4, 14, 0, 53, 10 and 41 for NSW.

Jake Weatherald and Matt Renshaw are the frontrunners to open with Usman Khawaja and each has well-placed supporters. Weatherald has been the best proactive opener in the Sheffield Shield over the past season and a third, and handles pace bowling with aplomb. Renshaw has already shown his ability at Test level and as Khawaja’s state teammate has a strong understanding with the incumbent.

Labuschagne believes a stint away from Tests may help Konstas in the long run.

“It’s something that needed to happen for me to get where I am today,” Labuschagne said. “While you’re still playing and you’re getting scrutinised, it’s hard to get clarity on where you want your game to be and how you want to do that. It was something that really needed to happen for me to find my best.

“Sammy is so talented. We’ve seen that. He’s young. This is first-class cricket and it’s not easy, especially batting at the top. He’ll learn his game.

“I feel when he really learns his game, learns when to attack and defend and use all those shots, he’s a very good player for Australia.

“Whatever happens for him, I’ve got no doubt that he’s going to be a future player for Australia and it’s about getting those people around him to support him. He’ll work it out.”

Labuschagne said he hasn’t received clarity on whether he will open or bat No.3 against England, but believes the balance could be dictated by whether Australia need to play one or both of Cameron Green or Beau Webster.

Asked if he may have used up his runs too early in the season, Labuschagne replied: “Never. I feel like whenever you’re batting badly, you’re always like, ‘geez, I just need to get that rhythm and feel’. Once you’ve got it, you protect it like it’s gold.

“I never believe in it because I just feel it’s a habit. If you’re batting well and scoring runs, it’s a habit.”

Meanwhile, England spearheads Mark Wood and Jofra Archer have arrived in Perth ahead of the Ashes, with England Test squad and Lions players to start training in the west from Wednesday.

Wood, who was the outstanding bowler for England in each of the past two Ashes series, was particularly eager to take advantage of the pace and steep bounce of the Perth Stadium pitch.

“That’s what we’re here for, so can’t wait to hopefully bring the win home,” Wood said on arrival in Perth. “I’ve played here before and it is fast and bouncy, so hopefully that plays into our hands.

“We’re here to win, Both teams play entertaining cricket, so I think it will be a great series.”

Archer, who took part in England’s 0-3 drubbing by New Zealand in an ODI series that concluded over the weekend, won’t be doing any more bowling until the full Ashes squad convenes on Monday.

Cummins’ mentor Dennis Lillee, meanwhile, has issued an Ashes warning for Australia’s top six. While confident that Australia’s bowling attack would have the quality to hurt England’s freewheeling top six, he is sceptical about the hosts’ ability to make enough runs.

“Our bowling is superb, England’s bowling is untested generally on our wickets,” Lillee said on ABC Radio. “It’s a bit easier to bowl on the softer turf in England than it is to bowl on hard WACA, Sydney and Melbourne wickets.

“Their batting can be a bit hit-and-miss but if they go, they go. We’ve got problems at the top order of our batting. We’ve got to be very careful, we could be 3-15 and all out for 170 if we don’t watch ourselves.”