‘I’ve got no doubt I’ll be back’: Marnus Labuschagne undeterred by Test omission, backed to earn Australia spot

Marnus Labuschagne is refusing to let his latest Test setback dent his confidence, insisting he has no doubts about returning to the Australian side after being ruled out for the upcoming World Test Championship series against New Zealand. However, the 32-year-old is now ready to turn his attention to domestic cricket and help Queensland win matches in the Sheffield Shield.Labuschagne’s omission comes after a long lean patch in Test cricket as the right-hander struggles to rediscover the consistency that once made him one of Australia’s most reliable batsmen. Despite the disappointment, he believes a return to domestic cricket will give him an opportunity to regain his rhythm and put himself back in contention for national selection.Speaking at the Gabba ahead of Queensland’s Sheffield Shield clash, Labuschagne acknowledged the pressure he has been under over the past few years and said he intends to use this period to enjoy his cricket again.“As a cricketer, you’re quite aware … you’re using this as an opportunity to step back from the scrutiny and be under the pump for probably two years now,” Labuschagne told the media on Tuesday, as quoted by Fox Sports.“You take this opportunity to come back and play for Queensland, enjoy your time here and find ways to win games for Queensland. Score, enjoy games and I think my way back into the Australian team will work itself out.”

‘I have no doubt I’ll be back’: Labuschagne backs Australia return

The Australian batsman has experienced a similar slump before. He was left out of the squad for Australia’s tour of the West Indies last year but responded strongly, scoring five centuries in red-and-white-ball cricket for Queensland in eight innings to force his way back into the national set-up ahead of the home Ashes series against England.Labuschagne takes confidence from the experience and remains optimistic about getting another opportunity, although he admitted he doesn’t know when the appeal might come.“I’ve done it before and I’ve no doubt I’ll be back. When? Who knows, but it’s a desire and a desire. Right now my feet are firmly fixed here with Queensland and I’m doing what I can as captain, batsman, in the field and with the ball to help us win games,” he added.

Labuschagne names potential candidates for Australia’s No.3 spot

With Labuschagne out of the picture for the New Zealand assignment, competition for the No.3 position in Australia is expected to intensify. When asked about possible candidates to fill the vacancy, the Queensland captain highlighted Jack Clayton, Kurtis Patterson and Sam Konstas among the options available.Clayton in particular has impressed with his recent performances in the Sheffield Shield and Labuschagne was quick to praise his batting form while offering his support as the youngster navigates his way into the international limelight.“There are some candidates; the likes of Jack Clayton has put up some points in the last two Shield games and is batting beautifully. Sam Konstas has put up a few points, there are a lot of good batsmen around the country, Kurtis Patterson has (also) scored a few points in the last few years,” he said.“It’s not for me to deal with. I think there are options and they have some internal options as well, how they can change the order. For Jack, my thing is that I’m there to support him and I understand that it’s the first time for him in this journey to be in the spotlight. Anything I can do to help him and make him feel comfortable … he’s a wonderful player and a really good guy.”

Labuschagne’s extended Test of batting by omission

Labuschagne’s dismissal follows a difficult run of form in the longest format. During Australia’s recent three-Test series against South Africa, he managed just 131 runs in six innings, further bolstering the selectors’ case for a change ahead of the WTC decider against New Zealand.His struggles extended far beyond this streak. Since scoring his last Test century against England at Old Trafford in July 2023, Labuschagne has gone 26 Tests and 49 innings without reaching three figures.During this period, he amassed 1,094 runs at an average of 24.31, including nine half-centuries. The numbers represent a significant drop from the standards he set earlier in his Test career.