Australia`s star batsman, Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped from the national squad for the Test series against the West Indies in June and July following his lean patch, is eyeing a return.
He is focused on making his appearance in the Ashes as Australia`s opening batsman.
Speaking about him being snubbed from the squad, Marnus told The Australian newspaper, “It was tough because you never want to be dropped. But almost as soon as their (selectors) words came out my mind shifted straight away to, `Okay, how am I playing the Ashes … how do I make that happen?`. “This has given me an opportunity to reflect and not having the pressure of the media saying, `Marnus has got to go`”.
Further speaking more about him being sidelined, Marnus took it as a lesson to learn.
“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 sit back and think, `This is where I want to be and this is how I`m going to get there`,” said the 31-year-old cricketer.
Earlier, he was moved up to the batting order from his regular spot at number three. Opening the innings for the `Bagged Greens` in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, the right-hander registered scores of 17 and 22 runs across both innings.
He also said that he would love to open the innings for the side. Marnus added that he would prefer to bat ta number three, but at the international level, there is no choice left with the players.
“I would be happy to do that, I would love to. If you had asked me where I prefer to bat, obviously I have batted at three my whole career, but at this stage you don`t get a choice,” concluded the South Africa-born.
Marnus Labuschagne will make his return to the national side during the three ODI matches against South Africa this month. After concluding the series, he will then shift his focus to the Sheffield Shield, with an aim to impress the selectors to earn a recall for the much-anticipated five-match Test series against England. The Ashes is scheduled to kick off in Perth from November 21.
(With AFP Inputs)
