Marnus Labuschagne has gotten his domestic summer off to a promising start, cracking a stylish century in Queensland’s One-Day Cup opener against Victoria in Brisbane.

The 31-year-old, fighting to earn a Test recall for the upcoming Ashes campaign, notched a 92-ball hundred at Allan Border Field on Wednesday, combining with young gun Lachlan Hearne for a 106-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Having at one stage been 1 off 15 balls, Labuschagne raised his bat and kissed his helmet upon reaching triple figures in the 35th over, albeit inches from being caught and bowled on 99.

He was dismissed by Victorian debutant Callum Stow for 130 (118), picking out long on while chasing quick runs during the death overs.

The Bulls ultimately posted 5-310 courtesy of a rapid half-century from all-rounder Jack Wildemuth, setting the tourists a 311-run target for victory.

Watch live coverage of the 2025 Marsh One Day Cup on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >

Marnus Labuschagne of the Bulls. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Earlier in the 23rd over, the Victorians accused Labuschagne of obstructing the field after the Bulls captain inadvertently disrupted a run-out chance at the other end.

After defending a delivery from Victorian seamer Mitchell Perry, the right-hander reached for the ball with his bat, potentially looking to prevent the Kookaburra from spinning back into his stumps.

However, unbeknown to Labuschagne, teammate Matthew Renshaw had sprinted down the pitch in search of a quick single, with the two batters stranded at the same end.

Rather than attempting a run out at the non-striker’s end, Perry protested with the umpires after retrieving the ball, arguing Labuschagne’s actions warranted a dismissal for obstructing the field.

Umpires Riki Wessels and Donovan Koch discussed the matter, with Victorian veteran Peter Handscomb providing some input, but the duo ultimately allowed Labuschagne to continue his innings.

“This is interesting,” former Queensland batter Ray Phillips said in commentary.

“The umpires are going to have a look at this.

“(Perry) was questioning the fact that Marnus was fiddling around with the ball. Tough call for the umpires there.”

Although it would be difficult to argue that Labuschagne intentionally tried to prevent a run out, the umpires may have deemed he violated Law 37.4, which states: “Either batter is out obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, they uses the bat or any part of their person to return the ball to any fielder.”

Phillips continued: “Labuschagne was fiddling around with the ball, playing hockey with it.

“Leave the ball alone! That’s what the fieldsmen are there for. Let the fieldsmen pick it up.

“Don’t pick it up.”

Following an alarming form slump, Labuschagne was dropped following June’s World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, carrying drinks during the Frank Worrell Trophy campaign in the Caribbean.

READ MORE

‘HURT QUITE A LOT’: Axed Aussie’s devastating phone call

‘HE’LL SCORE SOME HEAVY RUNS’: Glaring Konstas problem solved

‘OUT OF MY HANDS’: Inside rise of Aussie Ashes bolter

NSW vs TAS WRAP: Forgotten Test star adds new chapter to rapid rise

Marnus drama in One Day Cup | 01:38

Earlier this week, the Queenslander revealed he had drawn inspiration from Virender Sehwag, hoping to adopt the former Indian opener’s ‘see ball, hit ball’ methodology in his push for an Ashes call-up.

“Sehwag was an amazing player and had a great eye,” he told AAP.

“Obviously Sehwag’s method was taking the ball on and just playing it. That’s an element for me.

“That is where I want to get to by the start of the summer, where I am so clear and confident with my technique that there is nothing else I am thinking about apart from seeing the ball, hitting it and trusting my game and everything falling into place.

“That’s the goal. To get there is stepping stones.”

Speaking to SEN on Tuesday morning, national coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Labuschagne needed Sheffield Shield runs to secure his spot in Australia’s starting XI for November’s Ashes opener in Perth.

“He’s gone away and worked on his game, and I think he’s made some key adjustments,” McDonald said.

“The proof’s really in the pudding – is that going to hold up at Shield level? What does the output of runs looks like?

“He’s very much on the whiteboard, but where he fits is up for debate.”