Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Marnus Labuschagne understands the criticism, but says there’s a reason why he’s still in Australia’s Test squad.
Labuschagne enters the looming Test tour of South Africa under intense pressure, having not scored a Test ton since July 2023.
“Criticism is part of the job,” Labuschagne told reporters on Friday.
“No one is criticising my character … they’re criticising my performance.
“Because of the lack of performance, I’ve opened myself up to criticism.”
Labuschagne, whose domestic season starts on Saturday for Queensland in a one-dayer against Victoria, was considered fortunate by some pundits to retain his place in Australia’s Test squad for the South African tour.
“There’s clearly a reason that I’m still there,” he said.
“And I think the people that are in charge know that and know the reason.
“How I have performed in the last few years is clearly not my standard and where I want to be.
“And I’m doing everything possible to make sure that I’m going to get back there during this series in Africa.”
Labuschagne was axed from Australia’s 50-over squad, which is currently in Zimbabwe and soon to play South Africa.
“It (not being in the ODI squad) has also given me a bit of time to prepare and get my game where I really want it to be for when I go there in a week and a half’s time,” he said.
Labuschagne made only 36 runs in three innings against Bangladesh in Australia’s most recent Test series.
“I always feel good batting in the nets, I feel like my game’s in good order,” he said.
“But what’s important is that phase where you’re switching on to the game and investing in what you think is the best way to score runs out there.”
The veteran of 65 Tests said his domestic returns last summer in 50-over cricket confirmed his belief he still had much to offer in one-day internationals.
“Last year, I think I showed that I’m playing very good domestic one-day cricket, so I’m not coming out here needing to prove to anyone that I’m a good enough player,” he said.
“I think they know that. And if I get another (ODI) opportunity, my job is to take that.”
The Australians meet South Africa in a three-Test series beginning on October 9 in Durban.
