Marnus Labuschagne Regains Form With Fifth Century Before Australia Ashes Return

Marnus Labuschagne has demonstrated exceptional form ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes series, scoring five centuries in eight innings across Queensland's One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield campaigns. His recent performances include a commanding 101 off 111 balls against New South Wales, where he also took two wickets, underscoring his all-round capabilities. Despite being dropped from Australia's Test side earlier in the year, Labuschagne's prolific run-scoring and consistent high averages have positioned him as a leading candidate for a return to the national team, likely as an opener to accommodate all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster. His resurgence is viewed as a response to a necessary break from international duties, allowing him to recalibrate his game and regain form. Meanwhile, Sam Konstas, another Ashes hopeful, has drawn mixed opinions, with former cricketer Merv Hughes advocating for his inclusion despite less impressive recent form. The Ashes series is set to commence on November 21 in Perth, with Australia expected to announce their squad imminently.