Marnus Labuschagne will captain Queensland in the One-Day Cup before traveling to South Africa for the Test series, where his spot in the squad remains precarious.
Labuschagne, who scored 1, 31, and 4 against Bangladesh last month—extending his streak to 43 innings without a century and an average of 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes—will face Victoria at Allan Border Field on Saturday. Queensland face New South Wales next Monday before the Test squad departs for South Africa.
Former players Ricky Ponting has suggested Labuschagne should have been dropped, while David Warner recently mocked the century-less run in a social media exchange with the Barmy Army.
Although Labuschagne has been included in the Test squad, chair of selectors George Bailey declined to confirm his retention for the first Test in Durban, despite it appearing the most likely choice. Steven Smith could return to No. 3, while Cooper Connolly presents an unexpected option. Australia will play a two-day warm-up match in Potchefstroom early next month.
“Criticism is self-inflicted as a player because it is performance-based,” Labuschagne told 7News. “I am not being criticized as a person; they are critiquing my performance, which I have allowed to happen over the last two years. Those who know me understand that I am doing everything possible to return to my best.”
Separately, Labuschagne told Code Sports: “I still believe I am the best fit to bat at No. 3 for Australia, but if someone holds a different opinion, that is their perspective.”
Labuschagne was omitted from the ODI squad currently touring Zimbabwe ahead of three matches in South Africa. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will join the side for the one-dayers prior to the Test series.
Labuschagne dominated the One-Day Cup last season, amassing 468 runs in six innings, including four centuries. In his most recent ODI series against Bangladesh in June, he was moved down to No. 7 for one match, and Bailey suggested that skipping the format could benefit his Test preparation.
“I believe Marnus will continue to refine his preparation for this series,” Bailey stated when the squad was announced. “Not playing in the one-day series could allow him to simplify his approach and focus solely on red-ball cricket, which may be advantageous, though I am not entirely certain.”
The One-Day Cup, which kicks off the men’s domestic season, begins on Friday when Western Australia host South Australia in Perth. Jake Weatherald, who recently lost his Test spot following the opening match against Bangladesh, is part of the visitors’ squad after returning to the state from Tasmania during the off-season.
“He has returned with great determination to force his way back into the Test side,” South Australia coach Ryan Harris told Cricinfo. “There has been speculation he might not earn his place back, but the volume of runs will ultimately decide that. He understands this, and his attitude has been excellent.”
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