Labuschagne Open to Batting Position Change for Test Comeback

Australian Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne has indicated his willingness to adjust his usual batting position to secure a spot in the Test squad.

Labuschagne’s absence from the Australian Test team dates back to the ICC World Test Championship Final. His recent form has been lacking, with an average of only 33.08 since December 2022, leading to his exclusion during the recent West Indies tour.

Now, the batsman is aiming to rejoin the international red-ball format and is open to taking on the role of an opener in the forthcoming Ashes series.

“I would gladly accept that [opening],” he stated in a recent interview. “If opening the batting is what it takes for me to play in the Test team, I am prepared to do it.”

Opening is not Labuschagne’s preferred position; he has typically batted at No. 3 throughout his career.

However, Cameron Green’s impressive performance at No. 3 in conducive conditions during the West Indies tour—where he accumulated 184 runs in six innings—has created an opportunity for Labuschagne to potentially open again.

“If asked about my preference, I’d say No. 3, where I’ve spent my career. But currently, that’s not an option. I opened in the World Test Championship final and felt I performed reasonably well, getting starts but not capitalizing on them.”

In that final at Lord’s, Labuschagne scored 39 runs in two innings, achieving starts but failing to convert them into significant scores.

With three Sheffield Shield games remaining before Australia’s home Tests, he remains in contention, particularly given Sam Konstas’ recent struggles in the West Indies, where he only managed 50 runs in six innings.

Meanwhile, Labuschagne remains a regular in Australia’s ODI team and is expected to participate in the upcoming three-match series against South Africa.