Marnus Labuschagne has gotten his domestic summer off to a promising start, cracking a stylish century in Queensland’s One-Day Cup win against Victoria.
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. National selector George Bailey was watching from the stands.
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 Wildermuth, setting the visitors 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 >
During the run chase, Queensland veteran Michael Neser claimed three wickets in a damaging opening spell before Australian white-ball superstar Glenn Maxwell raced towards a hundred, his maiden domestic one-day century, in just 73 balls.
Battling at No. 7 with Victoria languishing at 5-104, the 36-year-old added 80 alongside Sam Elliott for the eighth wicket to get his state back into the contest.
However, Maxwell departed for 107 (82) after attempting a reverse sweep against Wildermuth, who snared three wickets, with Victoria all out for 255 in 46.2 overs to suffer a 55-run defeat.
“He batted nicely, it was the perfect scenario for him; they had a heap of wickets in hand, the wicket was pretty slow,” Maxwell said of Labuschagne.
“When he’s aggressive and making good decisions on the front and back foot, when he’s hurting you on both sides and still able to hit gaps, that’s when he’s at his best and when I’ve seen him play really well.
“He’s able to absorb pressure if a team’s in trouble, and he’s able to take the air out of the opposition. I’ve seen him play so many different roles, but I think, personally in my book, when he’s aggressive and taking the game on, I’ve seen him at his best.”
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 Labuschagne of the Bulls. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Earlier in the 23rd over of Queensland’s innings, 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.”
Marnus drama in One Day Cup | 01:38
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.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Labuschagne declared that runs were currency in his bid to get back into the Test side.
“I just trusted my game today and it was nice to be playing at my best and trusting my instincts,” Labuschagne said.
“I think it always happens at some stage in your career where you are searching … you get a little muddled and not as clear.
“The last two months I’ve played lots of games and I’m getting that feel of the game back after three months of not playing.
“Nothing else matters but runs. The format doesn’t matter. I know if I am playing my best I will find my way in the team.
“My goal is to be there for the first Test. The only way you can do that is with performances on the board.”
Labuschagne also reiterated he would be willing to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja during the Ashes if required.
“I don’t care where I bat, if I have to open or bat three,” he continued.
“The fact of the matter is that when you are not in the team you don’t have the luxury of choosing where you bat.”
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.”