- Returns to the Australian team after being previously dropped
While it remains unknown whether Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting for Australia or come in at first drop in The Ashes, he has been given a hilarious reason to perform no matter where he bats.
Labuschagne went through a pronounced slump in Test form, with his average dropping to just 25.84 across 28 innings since the end of the 2023 Ashes.
He responded with a strong run of domestic centuries that pushed his name back into selection conversations.
His improved Shield performances convinced selectors that he had corrected the technical issues that had crept into his game.
As a result, he earned a recall to Australia’s squad for the first Test of the 2025–26 Ashes series in Perth.
And speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Labuschagne was handed a message of support ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth from a young fan.
Marnus Labuschagne was speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast ahead of his return to the fold for the Australian Test side
The Queensland star cracked up when he was given a note, allegedly from a 12-year-old boy in Brisbane, asking him to bat well so his parents would get back together
Knowing he was about to be stitched up, the Queenslander immediately started cracking up laughing before reading out the note.
‘From Alex, I’m 12 years old and I’m from Brisbane,’ he began.
‘Mum says she’ll get back with Dad if you start batting properly.’
As the panel chuckled, Labuschagne swore to the young fan, if they even exist, that he would honour their wishes.
‘So to Alex, I’m going to bat properly and hopefully your family [gets] back together.
‘I’m only playing for one person mate, Alex, 12 from Brisbane.
‘You’re 12, you need your parents back together mate.
‘Like you don’t need to be sharing rooms, you don’t need to be having two bedrooms. Getting two Christmasses. It’s just one Christmas.
Labuschagne had a torrid time after the 2023 Ashes series and was eventually dropped from the Test side
He has returned to champagne form for the Queensland Bulls and will return to the Australian batting lineup for the first Ashes Test in Perth
‘And I’m bringing you back for Christmas. They’re back together, this Christmas.’
It comes as Labuschagne has hinted at Australia’s preferred top order for the first Ashes Test by choosing to bat at No.3 for Queensland despite Usman Khawaja being absent.
His decision allowed specialist opener Angus Lovell to take the vacant top spot, signalling that selectors are leaning toward a traditional opener rather than shifting Labuschagne up.
It also strengthens the case for Tasmanian opener Jake Weatherald, who is in line for a potential Test debut on November 21.
Weatherald sparked small concerns after chopping on for 23 earlier in the week, but his continued involvement in short-leg duties suggests confidence from selectors.
Khawaja has cycled through six opening partners since David Warner’s retirement, including Labuschagne during the failed World Test Championship Final.
Labuschagne looked composed on a tough WACA pitch as Queensland reached 1-77 at lunch after being sent in by WA.
Matt Renshaw, who missed the first Test squad, impressed with an aggressive 48 not out in the opening session.
