'I thrive on proving people wrong' - Marnus Labuschagne eyes Test return with Ashes
"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?'," said Labuschagne.
Australian Test star Marnus Labuschagne is determined to bounce back and silence his critics by putting his hand up to open in the upcoming Ashes series against England. The No. 3 batter was dropped from Australia’s tour of the West Indies in June and July following a prolonged lean patch.
Labuschagne said on Sunday, August 10, the setback was potentially a blessing in disguise. He was last seen playing against South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
"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 have the pressure of the media saying, 'Marnus has got to go'. 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 Labuschagne to The Australian newspaper.
Langer shares blunt opinion on Labuschagne's AUS future
The 31-year-old was promoted from his regular No. 3 position to open the batting in the WTC Final loss to South Africa in June, where he scored 17 and 22 before being dropped. Labuschagne, along with his replacement Sam Konstas, who has also struggled at the top of the order, said he is ready to give the opening spot another shot.
"I would be happy to do that -- I would love to. If the opener is where I need to bat to be playing in the Test team, that's fine. 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,” Labuschagne added.
The right-handed batter returns to action for Australia in three home ODIs against South Africa this month. He will then turn his focus to the Sheffield Shield, aiming to impress selectors and secure a recall for the five-Test Ashes series beginning in Perth on November 21.
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