Labuschagne Looks to One-Day Cup Against Victoria as Test Place Comes Under Scrutiny

Marnus Labuschagne is using Queensland’s One-Day Cup opener as a chance to find form, with his place in Australia’s Test side under the microscope.

The 32-year-old was left out of the ODI squad for the coming series in Zimbabwe and South Africa, which sharpened the debate about his Test future. He has not made a Test century for more than three years, although last summer’s domestic runs helped him win back his Ashes spot. In eight innings for Queensland he made five hundreds, three of them at Allan Border Field.

Taking the criticism

The Queensland captain accepts the scrutiny. He said criticism comes with the job, and that people are judging his performances rather than his character, which he considers fair.

Work with Hopes

Since Australia’s recent Tests in Bangladesh, the 65-Test veteran has kept a measured approach. He has been working with Queensland head coach James Hopes on his technique and match preparation, reviewing footage, picking out areas to improve and balancing technical work with match intensity.

Labuschagne feels his net sessions have gone well but knows the confidence has to carry into competitive games.

A useful stepping stone

Missing the ODI squad, he said, has given him more time to prepare for the Test series in South Africa, which is expected to start after he arrives there. He sees the One-Day Cup as valuable preparation.

Pointing to his strong domestic one-day record last season, he said he does not feel the need to prove himself but must take whatever chances come. The match against Victoria is therefore an important outing before the next stage of Australia’s international schedule.