Labuschagne pushes for World Cup selection with superb century vs South Africa

BLOEMFONTEIN: Not included in the preliminary squad for next month's Men's ODI World Cup in India, Australia's middle-order batter Marnus Labuschagne struck a brilliant century in the second ODI against South Af-rica to send a timely message to the national selectors.

Labuschagne slammed a 99-ball 124, hitting 19 boundaries and one six as Australia put up a massive 392/8 in 50 overs on Saturday.

Labuschagne reached his half-century in 54 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries and then raced to the three-figure mark off 80 balls, scoring the second fifty off just 26 balls.

He raised a 151-run partnership for the third wicket with opener David Warner, who scored 106 off 93 balls as the Australian top-order made merry. Warner also served notice on the Australian team management with a timely century.

Labuschagne, who averages 34.33 in 31 ODIs but over 50 in Test cricket, was not picked for the first ODI against South Africa but struck a match-winning 80 not out coming on as a concussion substitute for Cameron Green on Thursday.

With this century on Saturday, the 29-year-old Labuschagne is making a late push for selection ahead of the fi-nal squads are finalised on September 28.

While Labuschagne and Warner struck majestic hundreds Travis Head hammered 64 off 36 balls while Josh In-glis slammed 50 off 37 deliveries as Australia posted a big total. Warner and Travis Head shared a 109-run partner-ship for the opening wicket to set the foundation for the innings. IANS

Also Read: Labuschagne knocks selectors’ door for ODI World Cup as his mum ‘proves right again’

Also Watch: