Fans react as Marnus Labuschagne sends strong Ashes statement with dazzling century in Sheffield Shield 2025-26

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The Sheffield Shield 2025-26 season has kicked off with thrilling performances, as Australia‘s domestic cricket circuit continues to produce standout moments. Young talents and seasoned campaigners alike are making their presence felt, aiming to catch the eyes of national selectors ahead of international assignments. Among them, Marnus Labuschagne‘s performance for Queensland has already become the talk of the season.

Labuschagne has made a resounding statement to national selectors, scoring a commanding century for Queensland against Tasmania in the opening match of the Sheffield Shield 2025-26 at Allan Border Field. The innings, while featuring a couple of reprieves, highlighted the 31-year-old’s intent and aggressive approach, signaling that he is ready to push for a return to the Australian Test side ahead of the next Ashes series.

Batting at number three, Labuschagne reached his 33rd first-class century off just 154 deliveries, smashing nine fours and a six. His century came just before lunch with a delightful cover drive off Kieran Elliott, a shot that nearly reached the boundary but resulted in four runs as he and batting partner Jack Clayton sprinted between the wickets.

The innings, however, was not without drama. On 98, Labuschagne charged at Tasmanian off-spinner Nivethan Radhakrishnan and offered a faint edge to wicketkeeper Jake Doran. The chance was grassed, allowing Labuschagne to continue and eventually reach his milestone. Earlier, he had also survived a drop at 61 when he tickled a leg glance down the leg side, once again by Doran. These reprieves added an element of tension to an otherwise dominant display of batting.

Labuschagne’s century was his second of the season, following a 130-run effort in Queensland’s Dean Jones Trophy opener against Victoria. He continued to dominate, reaching lunch on day three unbeaten on 105 before eventually falling for 160 off 205 balls, edging a reverse sweep to Doran.

By playing with controlled aggression and intent, Labuschagne has sent a clear message to the selectors ahead of the Ashes series. His fluent stroke play, combined with calculated risk-taking, demonstrates that he is in top form and ready to shoulder responsibility at the highest level. Fans and pundits alike have interpreted his innings as a direct challenge for a recall, emphasizing that Labuschagne is determined to make his mark on the international stage once again.

Meanwhile, Queensland’s batting performance, led by Labuschagne, set a formidable platform, with the team finishing at 612 all out, in response to Tasmania’s 379, taking a comfortable first-innings lead. Labuschagne’s aggressive style, combining calculated risks with fluent stroke play, reinforced his credentials as a top-order mainstay.

Also WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne plucks a blinder to dismiss Will Sutherland in Australia Domestic One-Day Cup 2025-26

💯 @marnus3cricket #SheffieldShield

— Queensland Cricket (@qldcricket) October 6, 2025

Marnus Labuschagne scored 💯 in Sheffield Shield against Tasmania.He scored 160 runs. A much needed hundred for Marnus Labuschagne before Ashes series

— Shivansh rajpal (@RajpalShiv46534) October 6, 2025

Marnus Labuschagne scores a 100 in the opening week, the world's a beautiful place again!

— Ammar (@Ammarzaheer) October 6, 2025

Marnus Labuschagne – Last 3 Innings

• In International Cricket22 vs 🇿🇦, 20251 vs 🇿🇦, 20251 vs 🇿🇦, 2025

• In Domestic Cricket130 vs Victoria, 20252 vs Western Australia, 2025160 vs Tasmania, 2025*

— All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45) October 6, 2025

Fantastic start for Marnus Labuschagne 154*(204) in #SheffieldShield 2025/26.4s ➡️ 196s ➡️ 1SR ➡️ 75.5@marnus3cricket @qldcricket@cricketcomau 📽️ https://t.co/z3UzefK2Pd

— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) October 6, 2025

Marnus Labuschagne cemented his place for the Ashes series with a century on what was one of the flattest tracks.

— 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗭𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 🇮🇳 (@GenZified_) October 6, 2025

Really want him to make a comeback. Man loves test cricket genuinely https://t.co/eMPHeEc6Zb

— Cowboy Bepop (@cowboy___bepop) October 6, 2025

labubu is back

gill is test captain + odi captain

the boys will be alright https://t.co/8xGbw2QAD0

— kirat (@vyas_kirat) October 6, 2025

Hope Marnus revives himself with this🙏#Australia #MarnusLabuschagne #Ashes https://t.co/ZCWyvFN5KB

— Aayushman Vishwanathan (@Aayushmansmudge) October 6, 2025

Some believe that is enough to get him straight back in the Test side. https://t.co/ayJV6I4xYg

— Cricket Et Al (@etalcricket) October 6, 2025

Marnus also getting in the form before ashes.#ashes https://t.co/YQJAf9oAfP

— GAURAV (@crazyGaurav_) October 6, 2025

#cricket A sea of performances worth noting across the opening few days of Sheffield Shield action. Great to see Marnus finding some form, couldn't be any better timed. https://t.co/jB6BeLE440

— Crowdiegal (@crowdiegal) October 6, 2025

That’s how you know it’s a road! #SheffieldShield https://t.co/P1ofVRaLxz

— Julian (@JulianStevens95) October 6, 2025

Got them at a decent click as well, we might be back in business. https://t.co/lcS3cAmyKZ

— Basia (@tweetsbybase) October 6, 2025

Century for Marnus Labuschagne, after being given a life on 98. Has looked in terrific touch.#SheffieldShield #AUSvENG

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) October 6, 2025

Almost got out. But finally he scored a century, a strong message to the selectors prior to the Ashes Series 2025-26.#Rozel_Ahmed #Cricket_Commentator #Sports_Commentator #Commentator #Labuschagne https://t.co/awD7n6wgzQ

— Rozel Ahmed (@rozelahmed10) October 6, 2025

Also READ: Marnus Labuschagne reveals the Indian legend he looks up to for his Ashes 2025-26 preparations