Sheffield Shield | Marnus Labuschagne sends timely reminder to Australian selectors ahead of Ashes

‌Marnus Labuschagne struck form at the right time as he rang the warning bells ahead of Australia’s home Ashes series starting next month. He reminded selectors of his class with a huge century for Queensland in their Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania in Brisbane on Monday.

Opting to bat first at the Allan Border Field, Tasmania rode on captain Jordan Silk’s century (104) to post 379 before being bowled out in 110.3 overs. Pacer Michael Neser was the pick among the home team’s bowlers with a spell of 4/75, while Benji Floros and Mitchell Swepson picked up two wickets each.

In reply, Queensland had an excellent start with Matt Renshaw and current Test opener Usman Khawaja adding 137 runs for the opening wicket. Though Khawaja was dismissed for 69, captain Labuschagne joined Renshaw to further the misery of the visiting bowlers. Renshaw hit 15 fours and a six during his century knock before departing for 128.

However, Labuschagne used the opportunity to catch the selectors' eyes as they sit down to pick the team for the five-match series against England. He smashed 19 fours and two sixes to amass 160 runs in 206 balls and powered his side to a huge first innings score of 612 in 144.4 overs. With an arrear of 233 runs, Tasmania closed the penultimate day at 62/1 with Jake Weatherald and Tim Ward at the crease when stumps were called.

Labuschagne had a poor run of scores for the Aussies, managing just four fifties in the last 22 innings, before being dropped after their World Test Championship final loss to South Africa in June earlier this year. He was not part of the side for the three-match Test series in the West Indies, with the selectors preferring Cameron Green to bat at the number three spot.

Green accumulated 184 runs, including a solitary fifty, in six innings at an average of 30.66. With Labuschagne putting in an impressive performance with the bat, it will be interesting to see whether the selectors give Green a long rope at the crucial batting spot or prefer the former back again at the familiar spot.