logo
Marnus Labuschagne willing to open for Australia in a bid to make the Ashes squad

Marnus Labuschagne willing to open for Australia in a bid to make the Ashes squad

India Todaya day ago
Marnus Labuschagne says he is willing to open the innings for Australia if that is what it takes to earn a place in the upcoming Ashes series. The 30-year-old batter, who has been a fixture in the Test side since 2019, was recently dropped for the first time during the series against the West Indies.Labuschagne has since taken time to reflect on his form and approach, working closely with coaches at home rather than playing county cricket or representing Australia A.advertisement'This (being left out) has allowed me to reflect and not have the pressure of the media saying, 'Marnus has got to go',' Labuschagne told News Corp in his first interview since losing his spot, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
'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 think, 'This is where I want to be and this is how I'm going to get there'.'The Queenslander emphasised that he still has the hunger and determination to succeed, particularly in one of cricket's most iconic series.WILLING TO BAT ANYWHERE FOR AUSTRALIALabuschagne acknowledged that selection is not in his hands and said he is prepared to take on any role for the team — even one outside his usual position.'I'd be happy to do that — I'd love to,' he said of potentially opening the batting. 'If opener is where I need to bat to be playing in the Test team, that's fine. I've batted at number 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.'His comments come as Australia debates its opening combination. Sam Konstas, who opened during the West Indies series, has shown technical vulnerabilities, prompting discussion over whether he should retain his place or make way for a more experienced option. Labuschagne's willingness to adapt could put him firmly back in the selectors' plans ahead of the Ashes.- EndsMust Watch
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Would have told Virat Kohli to retire after England Tests: Ex-India chief selector
Would have told Virat Kohli to retire after England Tests: Ex-India chief selector

India Today

time4 hours ago

  • India Today

Would have told Virat Kohli to retire after England Tests: Ex-India chief selector

Former India captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar has said the national selectors should have persuaded Virat Kohli to delay his retirement from Test cricket until after the recent five-match series in announced his decision to retire from Test cricket just days before the start of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, shortly after Rohit Sharma also retired from Tests. Their absence left India with a fresh leadership group under Shubman Gill, who impressed both as captain and batsman, steering the side to a 2-2 who served as chief selector from 2006 to 2008, said Kohli's experience could have been crucial in the series. "If I were the Indian chief selector, I would have persuaded Virat to bid goodbye to Test cricket after playing the England series. We needed his class and experience in this series," Vengsarkar told The Times of India. Kohli's record in England has been mixed. After a disappointing debut tour in 2014, he returned in 2018 to score 655 runs as captain. However, he struggled during the 2021-22 visit, which included the World Test Championship final. In total, he has scored 1,096 runs in 17 Tests in England at an average of a month after his shock announcement, Kohli finally spoke about his decision to retire from Test cricket during a charity event for former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh's foundation, YouWeCan. Explaining his choice, he said: "I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it's time when you are colouring your beard every four days."Neither Kohli nor Rohit has played competitive cricket since the IPL 2025 season. With India not scheduled to play ODI cricket until the end of the year in Australia and South Africa, their extended absence has added to speculation about their international retired with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, placing him fourth on India's all-time list behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. As captain, he led in 68 Tests, winning 40 - the most by any Indian skipper and the fourth-best in is expected to return to action in a three-match ODI series against Australia in October, followed by a home series against South Africa.- EndsYou May Also Like

Mohammed Shami was ‘not confident' after BCCI reached out to him; clock ticking for India pacer to save Test career
Mohammed Shami was ‘not confident' after BCCI reached out to him; clock ticking for India pacer to save Test career

Hindustan Times

time6 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Mohammed Shami was ‘not confident' after BCCI reached out to him; clock ticking for India pacer to save Test career

There was sudden buzz around Mohammed Shami's potential return to the Indian Test fold for the series against England after the fast bowler was seen practising with a special ball, red on one side and white on the other, in the Sunrisers Hyderabad nets. But it all subsided when he was not considered for a spot in the side, sparking questions about his future in the Indian team. Mohammed Shami was not picked for the Test series against England(BCCI Twitter) Shami has not played Test cricket since the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023. He returned to competitive cricket in October last year after being out of action for months due to injury. Although he featured in domestic red-ball matches, he failed to prove his fitness and was omitted from the tour of Australia. According to The Telegraph, a BCCI official revealed that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee recognised Shami's experience as crucial for the England series, especially with Jasprit Bumrah expected to play only three of the five Tests owing to workload management. However, the 35-year-old did not sound confident about his fitness, leaving the selectors sceptical, and was therefore not picked. 'First of all, he wasn't dropped because of form. Fitness issues are the only reason why he couldn't travel to England,' the BCCI official said. 'After missing the last tour of Australia, his presence was much needed for the England series. The selectors had also spoken to him before finalising the squad, but he didn't sound too confident. That much-needed assurance from him was missing.' The official further pointed out that age was not on Shami's side, and the preference would be for a fast bowler 'who still has seven to eight years of cricket left in him rather than someone who'll be turning 35 soon.' Shami faces the ticking clock The report stated that Shami is set to play in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, beginning August 28. This will allow the selectors to reassess his fitness and form ahead of India's home series against the West Indies in October. East Zone will open their campaign against North Zone in the quarter-final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence ground in Bengaluru. 'In all probability, Shami will be playing the first game. He's busy with his preparation at his academy back home (in Amroha). He's getting ready,' a source close to the pacer said. A BCCI insider added: 'If Shami produces an impact-making performance against North Zone, the selectors will certainly take notice because his quality cannot be ruled out. But the question is whether he'll continue playing if East Zone advance beyond the quarter-finals. Will his body permit, given his dodgy knee and hamstring? In the Ranji Trophy, he used to bowl three-four overs in a spell and then go off the ground. So whether his body can take the rigours of a multi-day game remains a tricky question.' An impressive Duleep Trophy campaign could hand Shami a shot at redemption in the West Indies series. However, the selectors are keeping a close eye on younger fast-bowling options, making this potentially a decisive moment in the veteran's Test career.

Eng V Ind: Young India Tear Down English Experts, Vaughan Trolled
Eng V Ind: Young India Tear Down English Experts, Vaughan Trolled

First Post

time6 hours ago

  • First Post

Eng V Ind: Young India Tear Down English Experts, Vaughan Trolled

Eng V Ind: Young India Tear Down English Experts, Vaughan Trolled | First Sports With Rupha Ramani India's young Test team proved how victory tastes sweeter when the odds are stacked against you. The young side tore down the predictions of English experts, including Michael Vaughan, who called the series a warm-up before the Ashes. Against all expectations, on a daunting Day 5, the Indian side staged a remarkable comeback to salvage a historic 2-2 draw. Led by Mohammed Siraj's inspired bowling and backed by fearless performances from Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, and captain Shubman Gill, this series was a story of redemption, grit, and unshakable belief. Fans trolled Michael Vaughan after the new India showed the world that no record, no venue, and no opponent can break their fighting spirit. Rupha Ramani unpacks the key moments, emotions, and fiery battles that made this Test series a classic for the ages. Also on the show, Magnus Carlsen was crowned the winner of the inaugural chess Esports World Cup, but not without controversy. The world number 1 lost his cool during the semifinal against Hikaru Nakamura. The Norwegian silenced the crowd who were supporting Nakamura. Not for the first time have Carlsen's actions sparked controversy. Is the former world champion a true role model or just a record holder? And Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Diogo Jota's funeral sparked fury. After a month of speculation, the truth has been revealed. Is there a deeper issue from Ronaldo's past that forced him to stay away from the funeral? See More

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store