Marnus Labuschagne has declared he is prepared to open the batting for Australia in the upcoming Ashes series, saying he would welcome the challenge to get back into the Test side. The Queenslander, whose preferred position is number three, was dropped earlier this year but has made four centuries for his state this summer.
Labuschagne is the favourite to replace Sam Konstas at the top of the order for the first Test against England in Perth on November 21. The move would allow all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster to both remain in the team. Labuschagne has opened only twice at Test level, scoring 17 and 22 in this year's World Test Championship final against South Africa.
Speaking after Queensland's Sheffield Shield match against NSW ended in a draw, Labuschagne said he is now much clearer in his own game. He has adopted a less-is-more approach, no longer batting in the nets on match days and making small changes to his grip and stance. 'Mentally I'm a lot clearer on my game and not getting too much deep thought into certain dismissals or methods,' he said.
Labuschagne added that he has learned to trust his skills rather than overthink his technique. 'Now I'm trying to stay out of my own way really and go out there and trust my skills when I get to the middle,' he said. The first Ashes Test begins on November 21 at Perth Stadium.
