Purple Patch Perfected: Marnus Labuschagne's Remarkable Resurgence Sends Ominous Ashes Warning

Just months after being dropped from Australia's Test squad following a prolonged form slump, Marnus Labuschagne has roared back into contention with a blistering run of form that even he admits rivals the best period of his career. The 31-year-old Queensland captain has smashed five centuries in eight innings across domestic formats this season—averaging a staggering 84.87—forcing his way back into Australia's Ashes squad and presenting selectors with a tantalizing dilemma about where to deploy him in the batting order ahead of the November 21 series opener in Perth.

The Comeback Statistics

Labuschagne's recent numbers paint a picture of a batsman operating at the absolute peak of his powers:

2025 Domestic Season (First 8 innings):

• Centuries: 5

• Average: 84.87 across all formats

• Sheffield Shield: 2 hundreds, averaging 85 in four matches

• One-Day Cup: 3 hundreds including 101* vs NSW (November 4)

His latest century—101 off 111 balls against New South Wales at Sydney—confirmed what cricket observers already suspected: Labuschagne has rediscovered the touch that made him the world's number one Test batsman in 2021.

"Best Form Since 2019 Glamorgan" When asked if this represents his career-best form, Labuschagne drew parallels to his breakthrough 2019 season: "The only one I can think of is probably 2019 at Glamorgan as a period of time. But probably not across both formats. With both formats I feel like my batting is in a really nice place, just trusting my skills and trusting myself out there... It's all coming together."

That 2019 comparison is significant. During his county cricket stint with Glamorgan that year, Labuschagne scored 1,114 runs at 65.52—form that earned him an Ashes call-up as a replacement for the injured Steve Smith at Lord's, launching his meteoric rise to Test cricket's summit.

The Dropped Period: Context for the Comeback Labuschagne's exclusion from Australia's West Indies tour in July 2025 followed an extended lean spell where he averaged just 25.84 across 15 Tests. For a player who had climbed to number one in the ICC Test batting rankings in 2021, the decline was precipitous and concerning.

Yet the setback proved clarifying. Labuschagne admitted he needed the break to reassess his technique, mental approach, and preparation methods. The domestic season became his laboratory for reinvention—and the results have been spectacular.

The Ashes Selection Conundrum

Labuschagne's form guarantees his inclusion in the first Ashes Test, but where he bats remains Australia's most intriguing selection puzzle.

Option 1: Labuschagne Opens Possible Batting Order:

• Usman Khawaja

• Marnus Labuschagne

• Cameron Green

• Steve Smith

• Travis Head

• Beau Webster

• Alex Carey (wk)

Pros: Solves Australia's opening problem; Labuschagne's experience brings stability Cons: He has opened just once in Tests (WTC 2025 final: 22 & 17); thrives at No. 3 where he averages 48.83 vs 19.50 as opener

Option 2: Specialist Opener (Jake Weatherald) Possible Batting Order:

• Usman Khawaja

• Jake Weatherald (uncapped)

• Marnus Labuschagne

• Steve Smith

• Travis Head

• Cameron Green

• Alex Carey (wk)

Pros: Labuschagne returns to his preferred No. 3 position Cons: Weatherald is untested at Test level; Beau Webster (in-form all-rounder) likely misses out

Labuschagne's Perspective: "I'm Prepared Either Way" The batsman himself has remained diplomatically flexible: "I'm prepared either way. It doesn't concern me where I'm batting. The important thing is my process and trying to be consistent. That's what's important."

This adaptability reflects Labuschagne's meticulous, process-driven approach—the same temperament that powered his original rise to the top of Test cricket rankings.

England's Preparation Struggles

While Labuschagne peaks, England's Ashes preparations have been disjointed. Their 3-0 ODI series whitewash to New Zealand featured batting collapses from key players including Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, and Jacob Bethell.

England have just one red-ball warm-up match—against an England A side in Perth next week—before the first Test on November 21. By contrast, Australian batsmen like Labuschagne, Steve Smith (118 vs Queensland), and Travis Head (Sheffield Shield preparation) are battle-hardened from competitive domestic cricket.

Historical Context: England's Australian Struggles England last won an Ashes series in Australia in 2010/2011. The 2023 series in England ended 2-2, but Australia retained the urn. With home advantage and players like Labuschagne in career-best form, Australia enter this series as overwhelming favorites.

The Technical Transformation

Labuschagne's resurgence isn't merely psychological—it reflects technical refinements developed during his dropped period. Cricket analysts note improved trigger movements, better judgment outside off stump, and enhanced patience against spin bowling.

"Once you have that rhythm and feel, you safeguard it like it's precious," Labuschagne explained. "You learn how to navigate the game's situation, recognizing when to take risks and when to hold back. Scoring runs becomes a habit."

The Ashes Squad Announcement

Australia named their squad on November 5, with Labuschagne's inclusion confirmed alongside uncapped Jake Weatherald. Sam Konstas—who debuted during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25—missed selection after poor West Indies performances (3, 5, 25, 0, 17, 0).

The final batting order will be revealed closer to the Perth Test, but Labuschagne's form makes him undroppable regardless of position.

The Ominous Warning

For England's bowlers, Labuschagne's resurgence represents a nightmare scenario. Already possessing an Ashes average of 40.64 from 14 Tests against England, a Labuschagne operating at 2019-level form could prove virtually unstoppable in Australian conditions that traditionally favor batsmen willing to occupy the crease.

His five centuries in eight innings aren't flukes—they're the result of technical mastery, mental clarity, and confidence rebuilt through the crucible of being dropped and fighting back. England face not just Marnus Labuschagne, but the best version of Marnus Labuschagne—and that should terrify them.