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Australia’s top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne recently broke silence on being dropped from the Test setup in the recent three-match Test series against West Indies in the Caribbean islands. While the 31-year-old eyes a comeback in the longest format with the highly-anticpated Ashes series just a few months away, he has also dropped a big statement on proving the people wrong.
After a lot of eyebrows were raised on Marnus’ poor run of form in the longest format for the Aussies, the 31-year-old is now determined to bounce back and prove the doubters wrong. In what were his first comments since the time he was dropped in June-July, he sees it as a blessing in disguise as he eyes his return.
It was tough….: Marnus Labuschagne breaks silence on being axed from Tests; plots Ashes return
Speaking to The Australian newspaper on Sunday, August 10, Marnus confirmed it was a tough pill to swallow, but soon took it as a challenge to mark his return in the Ashes. "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?'” the 31-year-old said.
"This has given me an opportunity to reflect and not having 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',” he continued.
It is to be noted that Marnus, who has played some 58 Tests for Australia, was moved from his regular No. 3 position to open in the World Test Championship 2025 final against South Africa. The 31-year-old could only score 17 and 22 before being dropped with Sam Konstas replacing him.
