While Marnus Labuschagne is not in Zimbabwe with Australia’s ODI squad, the 32-year-old is set to return for Queensland in their One-Day Cup opener against Victoria at Allan Border Field on Saturday.

Labuschagne has been a major talking point this year because of his form for Australia and has not scored a Test century in more than three years.

Watch Zimbabwe vs Australia ODI Series Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

But Labuschagne understands the criticism surrounding him.

“Criticism is part of the job,” he said.

“No-one’s criticising my character… they’re criticising my performance, and I’m the one that’s allowed that, right?

“Because of the lack of performance, I’ve opened myself up to criticism.”

Labuschagne has historically been a strong performer for Australia, with a Test average of 43.79, a high score of 215, 11 centuries and 25 half-centuries.

His form last summer for Queensland was a reminder of those capabilities.

Labuschagne scored three hundreds in three weeks for Queensland, while piling on five tons in eight innings to earn his Test call-up.

“Now, there’s clearly a reason that I’m still there, and I think the people that are in charge know that, and know the reason,” Labuschagne said.

“How I’ve performed in the last few years is clearly not my standard and where I want to be, and I’m doing everything possible to make sure that I’m going to get back there during this series in Africa.”

READ MORE: Aussie young guns ignite World Cup squeeze as Head goes crazy, records fall in series-clinching win

Marnus Labuschagne, from Queensland Cricket, Alan Border Field, Albion, September 17th, 2026 – Photo Steve PohlnerSource: News Corp Australia

While not being selected for the tour of Zimbabwe, the time away has allowed Labuschagne some time to reset.

“I think not (being part of the ODI squad) has also given me a bit of time to prepare and get my game where I really want it to be for when I go there in a week-and-a-half’s time.”

As part of his preparation, Labuschagne has turned to new Queensland Bulls head coach James Hopes, who was also a former teammate of his.

The time to talk about his batting and work through his technique with footage has been helpful as he looks to reignite his international career in South Africa for Australia.

“We’ve had a lot of great discussions, spent a lot of time in his office looking at (batting) footage and talking cricket,” Labuschagne said.

“And we’ve come up with some things, and some thoughts that we’ve got… I think that’s what’s great, that discussion, personally around my game and what he thinks, what he’s seeing, and about our team and winning games for Queensland.”

An iconic century for Head v Zimbabwe | 06:18

With a jam-packed summer and year ahead, including multiple international tours as well as games in Australia, managing himself will be crucial for Labuschagne.

“Since we’ve been back from Bangladesh, it’s just the balancing part of focus on technique and then intensity you want to simulate for the match, and separating sessions out like that,” he said.

“Last year I think I showed that I’m playing very good domestic one-day cricket.

“So I’m not coming out here needing to prove to anyone that I’m a good enough player. I think they know that.

“And if I get another opportunity (in the ODI side) my job is to take that.”

READ MORE: Aussie young gun hints how he may fit into Test batting puzzle after white-ball breakout

Zimbabwe v Australia: 2nd ODI Highlights | 15:43

With the 2027 ODI World Cup drawing closer and players such as Cooper Connolly, Ollie Peake, Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green around the squad, selection will be a squeeze.

But with his history and experience, it feels like Labuschagne is only an innings away from reigniting his international career.