Labuschagne slams another big century to send Ashes message | Sports

SYDNEY, Oct 16, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Run-hungry Marnus Labuschagne slammed hisfourth century in five innings Thursday to make an emphatic case to be inAustralia's side for the opening Ashes Test against England. The Queensland captain was dropped ahead of Australia's mid-year Test tour ofthe West Indies after an extended lean spell. But he has come roaring back to stake his claim to be part of the team thatpads up in Perth on November 21. Batting at three, he crunched 159 off 197 balls against South Australia,while Test opener Usman Khawaja hit a composed 46. Labuschagne's ton backed up the 160 he made in the opening Sheffield Shieldround against Tasmania. He has also blitzed two 50-over centuries thisseason. The 31-year-old opened...