Labuschagne’s bid for national recall gathers steam with latest hundred

Marnus Labuschagne has continued to pile on the runs in his bid to reclaim his spot in Australia’s white and red ball sides ahead of a blockbuster Ashes summer.

In his first opportunity to prove Australian selectors may have missed a trick axing him from the one-day fold, the Queensland star responded emphatically to push his case for an international recall.

Labuschagne took just two deliveries to show he was in for a long stint at the crease on Thursday, punching Riley Meredith through the covers for a boundary en route to an elegant 105 out of his side’s 311 all out against Tasmania.

Marnus Labuschagne scores another century for Queensland.Credit: Getty Images

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.

The Queensland skipper’s snubbing for the forthcoming ODI series against India, beginning on October 19, comes after his demotion from the Test side ahead of the West Indies tour.

Labuschagne’s axing from the shorter format came after a lean period in the 50-over game, averaging just 13.80 across his past 10 knocks for Australia, 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.

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