Marnus Labuschagne opens up after ODI World Cup snub

After failing to make it to Australia’s preliminary squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, Marnus Labuschagne has opened up and stated he needs to improve in order to cement his position in the team. Notably, former skipper Steven Smith sustained a wrist injury and has been ruled out of the upcoming series against South Africa, hence, Labuschagne has been called up to replace the star batter.

After being called up for the series, Labuschagne mentioned that he still believes he is the right person to be in the middle and thus, the 29-year-old is adamant to prove himself. However, he understands that his recent performances have forced the selectors to drop him for the mega tournament and hence, he is eyeing to do well against South Africa to get back into the scheme of things.

“I had to look at my one-day performance, and it wasn’t up to the standard that I uphold. I’ve got no doubt that I’m still the right person for Australia to bat in that middle order, but at the end of the day, you have to show it with performances, and hopefully, South Africa can be an opportunity for me to show that.

“It’s still all about the team, it’s not just about my selection. It’s about starting to play really good one-day cricket for Australia, starting to put really good performances together as a team,” Labuschagne told Fox Cricket.

Had the opportunity to stamp my authority but haven’t taken: Labuschagne

Analysing his performance, Labuschagne added, saying that he got his fair share of opportunities but eventually failed to stamp down his authority in the middle. The cricketer hit a brilliant century against South Africa in March 2020, but since then, he has failed to make a mark in the 50-over format. He is known for his consistency in Test cricket but unfortunately couldn’t replicate that in ODIs.

“I think I’ve had a fair few opportunities to sort of stamp down that authority at No. 4, and I haven’t taken the opportunity. Hopefully in the next few games I can do that … I certainly want to be a bit more proactive than I have been in previous times,” Labuschagne mentioned.