Thanks Martin, evening everyone. No update from Perth, where it’s still raining, but Fox are showing an interesting interview with the rejuvenated Marnus Labuschagne. Here’s what he had to say.
[On his call-up to the ODI squad] I finished the Shield game and then flew here last night. I’m ready to go.
[On his mental state right now] It’s always nice when you’re scoring runs. The only thing I really wanted, coming into the summer, was to be back playing with freedom; being able to read the game and take the game on.
[On why he struggled in 2023 and 2024] It was probably more mental. There are a few technical things I’ve ironed out but it was more that I got too deep into my technique – I was trying to be perfect instead of just playing with what I’ve got, reading the game and using my technique to adjust to whatever they’re bowling and how they’re trying to attack me.
You’ve got to get out of your own mind and find a way to get back out there and score runs. Coming into the summer, runs were going to be the currency so that was a big focus point. It doesn’t matter how you score them or what it looks like, just find a way to score them. Since then my technique has moulded into whatever the game needs.
It’s always nice when you score runs. You walk a bit taller and it’s a nice reminder, after struggling for a couple of years, that you’ve still got it. I went back to the chalkboard and tried to start from scratch.
[On the Ashes] It’s always in the back of your mind. I kept telling myself that, if I’m playing at my best, that stuff takes care of itself.
[On where he’d like to bat if he is playing in Perth] Wherever the selectors and the coach put me, tht’s where I’ll be batting. I’ve batted my whole career for Australia at No3, so… there’s nothing more to be said! Wherever they put me is where I bat.
