Run-hungry Marnus Labuschagne slammed his fourth century in five innings on Thursday (Oct 16) to make an emphatic case to be in Australia's side for the opening Ashes Test against England. The Queensland captain was dropped ahead of Australia's mid-year Test tour of the West Indies after an extended lean spell. But he has come roaring back to stake his claim to be part of the team that pads up in Perth on November 21.&nbsp;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 Shield round against Tasmania.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2025-ravi-shastri-breaks-silence-on-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-retirement-1760595505272">Ravi Shastri breaks silence on Rohit, Kohli’s retirement rumours, says ‘nobody asked…’</a>&nbsp;He has also blitzed two 50-over centuries this season. The 31-year-old opened with Khawaja in June's losing World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's. But a growing chorus of former greats, led by David Warner and Matthew Hayden, are adamant he should revert to his usual spot at number three. That would mean all-rounder Cameron Green shifts back to six and Beau Webster misses out in Perth, with the question of who opens with Khawaja still to be resolved.&nbsp;Incumbent opener Sam Konstas' quest to retain his spot has not gone well. After a forgettable West Indies series, the 20-year-old was dismissed for a four-ball duck playing for New South Wales against Victoria on Wednesday. He made only four and 14 against Western Australia last week, leaving selectors with plenty to ponder.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Labuschagne leads the race to return to the Test side for the home Ashes starting November 21 in Perth. 

Run-hungry Marnus Labuschagne slammed his fourth century in five innings on Thursday (Oct 16) to make an emphatic case to be in Australia's side for the opening Ashes Test against England. The Queensland captain was dropped ahead of Australia's mid-year Test tour of the West Indies after an extended lean spell. But he has come roaring back to stake his claim to be part of the team that pads 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 Shield round against Tasmania. Also read | Ravi Shastri breaks silence on Rohit, Kohli’s retirement rumours, says ‘nobody asked…’ He has also blitzed two 50-over centuries this season. The 31-year-old opened with Khawaja in June's losing World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's. But a growing chorus of former greats, led by David Warner and Matthew Hayden, are adamant he should revert to his usual spot at number three. That would mean all-rounder Cameron Green shifts back to six and Beau Webster misses out in Perth, with the question of who opens with Khawaja still to be resolved. Incumbent opener Sam Konstas' quest to retain his spot has not gone well. After a forgettable West Indies series, the 20-year-old was dismissed for a four-ball duck playing for New South Wales against Victoria on Wednesday. He made only four and 14 against Western Australia last week, leaving selectors with plenty to ponder. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Labuschagne leads the race to return to the Test side for the home Ashes starting November 21 in Perth.&nbsp;

Labuschagne hits fourth hundred in five innings to push case for Ashes spot

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins admitted not being in the selection fray for the Ashes opener later next month. Recovering from a back injury, Cummins reveals he is less likely than likely to confirm his participation for the first Test against England in Perth. With around six weeks to go for the marquee series to get underway, Cummins could be absent from the playing XI, with the hosts working on finalising the best team without him. He, however, hasn’t completely ruled himself out.&nbsp;"I'd say probably less likely than likely," Cummins said of his chances of featuring in the Perth Test, at the Fox Cricket season launch event in Sydney on Monday (Oct 13). "But we've still got a bit of time. &nbsp;"I'm running today and running kind of every second day, and each runs a little bit longer, and then we get into bowling prep next week. So I'm probably a couple of weeks away before actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on the turf. But it's been a good couple of weeks. Each session feels better and better,” he added.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-champions-australia-crush-billion-indian-hopes-again-attain-top-spot-points-table-1760285028518">ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Champions Australia crush billion Indian hopes, again; attain top spot</a> &nbsp;When asked about how long it takes for him to gear up in the background to be ready in time for a Test match, Cummins said, “You'd probably want at least a month in the nets. If you are to play in a Test match, you want to make sure you are right to bowl 20 overs in a day, and you don't have to think about it. Four weeks is pretty tight, but I think somewhere around that mark.”<h3>Upset yet realistic &nbsp;</h3>Having avoided an injury of this scale for all these years, Cummins admits to being frustrated about missing the Ashes opener, but has also been realistic about his recovery time and chances of featuring in perhaps the most-talked-about Test series of the year. &nbsp;"Some days I'm kind of annoyed because it's the Ashes, and it's a big summer and then other days I'm kind of realistic," Cummins said.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I've had the last seven or eight years of almost uninterrupted home summers, so I felt like I've had a really good run as a fast bowler. Someone like Josh [Hazlewood], he's been a little bit more unlucky, so maybe it's my turn. But it's such a big summer ahead. Obviously, you want to be in a mix, even with the India One-Day series and T20 series; I wish I was part of that. But it's not to be. It's part of cricket. You're going to get injuries,” he continued. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Cummins will also miss the upcoming home white-ball series against India, including three ODIs and five T20Is. The first game gets underway at the Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19.&nbsp;

Cummins earlier revealed he had a lumbar bone stress issue, and that he is recovering while eyeing an early return to the playing XI for the home Ashes.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins admitted not being in the selection fray for the Ashes opener later next month. Recovering from a back injury, Cummins reveals he is less likely than likely to confirm his participation for the first Test against England in Perth. With around six weeks to go for the marquee series to get underway, Cummins could be absent from the playing XI, with the hosts working on finalising the best team without him. He, however, hasn’t completely ruled himself out. "I'd say probably less likely than likely," Cummins said of his chances of featuring in the Perth Test, at the Fox Cricket season launch event in Sydney on Monday (Oct 13). "But we've still got a bit of time. "I'm running today and running kind of every second day, and each runs a little bit longer, and then we get into bowling prep next week. So I'm probably a couple of weeks away before actually putting on the spikes and bowling out on the turf. But it's been a good couple of weeks. Each session feels better and better,” he added. Also read | ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Champions Australia crush billion Indian hopes, again; attain top spot When asked about how long it takes for him to gear up in the background to be ready in time for a Test match, Cummins said, “You'd probably want at least a month in the nets. If you are to play in a Test match, you want to make sure you are right to bowl 20 overs in a day, and you don't have to think about it. Four weeks is pretty tight, but I think somewhere around that mark.” Upset yet realistic Having avoided an injury of this scale for all these years, Cummins admits to being frustrated about missing the Ashes opener, but has also been realistic about his recovery time and chances of featuring in perhaps the most-talked-about Test series of the year. "Some days I'm kind of annoyed because it's the Ashes, and it's a big summer and then other days I'm kind of realistic," Cummins said. "I've had the last seven or eight years of almost uninterrupted home summers, so I felt like I've had a really good run as a fast bowler. Someone like Josh [Hazlewood], he's been a little bit more unlucky, so maybe it's my turn. But it's such a big summer ahead. Obviously, you want to be in a mix, even with the India One-Day series and T20 series; I wish I was part of that. But it's not to be. It's part of cricket. You're going to get injuries,” he continued. Meanwhile, Cummins will also miss the upcoming home white-ball series against India, including three ODIs and five T20Is. The first game gets underway at the Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19.

Cummins earlier revealed he had a lumbar bone stress issue, and that he is recovering while eyeing an early return to the playing XI for the home Ashes.

'Less likely than...,' AUS captain Cummins breaks silence on missing Ashes opener

England batter Joe Root, who is the Test cricket's second-highest run scorer of all time, has never scored a century in Australia in red-ball cricket. As the England team gets ready for Ashes Down Under, ex-Aussie batter Matthew Hayden has bet on Root ending the drought this time. The England batter, however, remains unfazed by the talk and says that the tour is not about him. England last won an away Ashes back in 2010-11, nearly an year before Root made his debut for England.<h2>Root brushes aside Matthew Hayden's 'naked run' threat</h2>Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, while talking about the upcoming Ashes on the podcast 'All Over Bar The Cricket' said: "I'll walk nude around the MCG if he doesn't get a hundred this summer." Joe Root, when asked about the same, as reported by ESPNCricinfo, said: "They are going to say what they want to say anyway, so why bother worrying about it? It doesn't make a huge amount of difference. When we look back in five years' time, no one is going to remember what Matthew Hayden said to me ... Greg Blewett, Mark Waugh, whoever it is. They are going to look back on the scoreline and think that is a historic England win or not."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-w-vs-south-africa-w-icc-womens-world-cup-2025-head-to-head-record-in-odis-1759927510070">Sanju Samson ready to bowl 'left-arm spin' for a place in India T20I team</a><h2>Root's Test numbers in Australia</h2>The England batter has scored 13,543 runs in Test cricket, out of which, 2,428 runs have come against Australia. The former England skipper, however, has been able to score only 892 runs while playing Tests in Australia and he has played 14 of them. Root's average drops to 35 while batting in Australia from his career average of 51. The batter also has 39 Test hundreds - the fourth most in Test cricket but his highest score Down Under in 27 innings is 89.&nbsp;

Root has scored 13,543 runs in Test cricket, out of which, 2,428 runs have come against Australia. The batter also has 39 Test hundreds - the fourth most in Test cricket but his highest score Down Under in 27 innings is 89. 

England batter Joe Root, who is the Test cricket's second-highest run scorer of all time, has never scored a century in Australia in red-ball cricket. As the England team gets ready for Ashes Down Under, ex-Aussie batter Matthew Hayden has bet on Root ending the drought this time. The England batter, however, remains unfazed by the talk and says that the tour is not about him. England last won an away Ashes back in 2010-11, nearly an year before Root made his debut for England. Root brushes aside Matthew Hayden's 'naked run' threat Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, while talking about the upcoming Ashes on the podcast 'All Over Bar The Cricket' said: "I'll walk nude around the MCG if he doesn't get a hundred this summer." Joe Root, when asked about the same, as reported by ESPNCricinfo, said: "They are going to say what they want to say anyway, so why bother worrying about it? It doesn't make a huge amount of difference. When we look back in five years' time, no one is going to remember what Matthew Hayden said to me ... Greg Blewett, Mark Waugh, whoever it is. They are going to look back on the scoreline and think that is a historic England win or not." Also Read - Sanju Samson ready to bowl 'left-arm spin' for a place in India T20I team Root's Test numbers in Australia The England batter has scored 13,543 runs in Test cricket, out of which, 2,428 runs have come against Australia. The former England skipper, however, has been able to score only 892 runs while playing Tests in Australia and he has played 14 of them. Root's average drops to 35 while batting in Australia from his career average of 51. The batter also has 39 Test hundreds - the fourth most in Test cricket but his highest score Down Under in 27 innings is 89.

Root has scored 13,543 runs in Test cricket, out of which, 2,428 runs have come against Australia. The batter also has 39 Test hundreds - the fourth most in Test cricket but his highest score Down Under in 27 innings is 89.&nbsp;

Joe Root unfazed by Matthew Hayden's 'naked run' bet on century drought ahead of Ashes

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins could miss the Ashes 2025/26 opener in Perth starting November 21, but that’s not even the worst news for the hosts; per several media reports, Cummins could also be sidelined for an extended period, maybe throughout the Ashes. Cummins, who was out with a hot spot in his back, could be ruled out of the marquee five-match Test series against England, in what would be a massive blow to Australia. Although his recent scans have revealed slight improvement, Cummins is far from being fit to bowl, let alone in a Test or an array of them.&nbsp;A report in CODE Sport states that Cummins would likely regain full fitness sometime in December, which already reduces his playing time; however, in the best-case scenario, the pacer could remain available for selection in the later stages of the series.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-australia-announce-odi-t20i-squads-for-india-series-matt-renshaw-earns-call-up-starc-returns-1759811900673">IND vs AUS: Australia announce squads for India series; Renshaw earns ODI call-up</a> &nbsp;But should the selectors decide against risking his career by picking him for England Tests, Steve Smith, who was the stand-in captain during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka early in February, would likely captain the Aussies in the home Ashes.&nbsp; &nbsp;With that, Scott Boland could then come into the selection fray in Cummins’ absence, joining the star pair of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Being deployed as a reinforcement for the pace trio in recent summers, Boland could start in the XI for the first Test at the Optus Stadium. &nbsp;Replying to a possibility of missing out on the first Test, Cummins, speaking in Brisbane a month ago, said, “That would be devastating. &nbsp;“We’ll be doing everything we can to be right for that, [and] make a few decisions a little bit closer, but [I’m] confident we’ll do the rehab right and give it a good crack. &nbsp;“This far out, it’s hard to know, but we’re trying to make sure we’re doing everything right to be right for Perth. It’s a big Ashes series, [it] doesn’t get much bigger, so you’re willing to be aggressive and take a few risks to try to play as much of the Tests as you can. &nbsp;“I’ve had a really good run as fast bowling goes, and I’ve been really well looked after, which has got me through this many Tests. I’ve bowled a lot over the last few years; something was bound to happen at some point, but hopefully, get this right and don’t miss too much cricket,” he said. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Australia’s next assignment is a marquee white-ball series against India starting October 19 in Perth. Australia will play three ODIs and five T20Is against the Men in Blue, concluding on November 8.&nbsp;

Although his recent scans have revealed slight improvement, Cummins is far from being fit to bowl, let alone in a Test or an array of them.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins could miss the Ashes 2025/26 opener in Perth starting November 21, but that’s not even the worst news for the hosts; per several media reports, Cummins could also be sidelined for an extended period, maybe throughout the Ashes. Cummins, who was out with a hot spot in his back, could be ruled out of the marquee five-match Test series against England, in what would be a massive blow to Australia. Although his recent scans have revealed slight improvement, Cummins is far from being fit to bowl, let alone in a Test or an array of them. A report in CODE Sport states that Cummins would likely regain full fitness sometime in December, which already reduces his playing time; however, in the best-case scenario, the pacer could remain available for selection in the later stages of the series. Also read | IND vs AUS: Australia announce squads for India series; Renshaw earns ODI call-up But should the selectors decide against risking his career by picking him for England Tests, Steve Smith, who was the stand-in captain during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka early in February, would likely captain the Aussies in the home Ashes. With that, Scott Boland could then come into the selection fray in Cummins’ absence, joining the star pair of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Being deployed as a reinforcement for the pace trio in recent summers, Boland could start in the XI for the first Test at the Optus Stadium. Replying to a possibility of missing out on the first Test, Cummins, speaking in Brisbane a month ago, said, “That would be devastating. “We’ll be doing everything we can to be right for that, [and] make a few decisions a little bit closer, but [I’m] confident we’ll do the rehab right and give it a good crack. “This far out, it’s hard to know, but we’re trying to make sure we’re doing everything right to be right for Perth. It’s a big Ashes series, [it] doesn’t get much bigger, so you’re willing to be aggressive and take a few risks to try to play as much of the Tests as you can. “I’ve had a really good run as fast bowling goes, and I’ve been really well looked after, which has got me through this many Tests. I’ve bowled a lot over the last few years; something was bound to happen at some point, but hopefully, get this right and don’t miss too much cricket,” he said. Meanwhile, Australia’s next assignment is a marquee white-ball series against India starting October 19 in Perth. Australia will play three ODIs and five T20Is against the Men in Blue, concluding on November 8.

Although his recent scans have revealed slight improvement, Cummins is far from being fit to bowl, let alone in a Test or an array of them.

Ashes: Australia captain Pat Cummins doubtful for opener; could miss all five Tests - Report

England announced a star-studded squad for the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 in Down Under in Australia, as Harry Brook was named vice-captain. In an announcement made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday (Sep 23), Ben Stokes will continue to lead the squad while Brook will act as his deputy. The squad also features the likes of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, who should be fit for the Ashes, which starts on 21 Nov.<h2>England announce squad for Ashes 2025-26</h2>Having started the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a 2-2 draw against India, the English side will be ready to win their first Ashes Down Under since the 2010-11 edition. Not since the 2015 Ashes has England managed to win the prestigious trophy. As expected, it will be Ben Stokes who will lead the English side, having struggled with injuries in recent times.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;It will be the first time England play an away Ashes under Stokes and will try to avoid a poor run, which has haunted them late. In the 2021-22 Ashes, England lost 4-0, having lost all other matches, excluding a draw in Sydney. The likes of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will lead the bowling attack, while the likes of Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Shoaib Bashir will also have a key role to play.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;Chris Woakes, on the other hand, will miss the Ashes having suffered a shoulder injury in the final Test match at The Oval against India. He will continue his rehabilitation and will target a return to the side during the T20 World Cup in India.&nbsp;England Ashes squad:&nbsp;Ben Stokes (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (Vice-Captain), Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood

In an announcement made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday (Sep 23), Ben Stokes will continue to lead the squad while Harry Brook will act as his deputy.

England announced a star-studded squad for the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 in Down Under in Australia, as Harry Brook was named vice-captain. In an announcement made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday (Sep 23), Ben Stokes will continue to lead the squad while Brook will act as his deputy. The squad also features the likes of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, who should be fit for the Ashes, which starts on 21 Nov. England announce squad for Ashes 2025-26 Having started the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a 2-2 draw against India, the English side will be ready to win their first Ashes Down Under since the 2010-11 edition. Not since the 2015 Ashes has England managed to win the prestigious trophy. As expected, it will be Ben Stokes who will lead the English side, having struggled with injuries in recent times. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details It will be the first time England play an away Ashes under Stokes and will try to avoid a poor run, which has haunted them late. In the 2021-22 Ashes, England lost 4-0, having lost all other matches, excluding a draw in Sydney. The likes of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will lead the bowling attack, while the likes of Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Shoaib Bashir will also have a key role to play. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Chris Woakes, on the other hand, will miss the Ashes having suffered a shoulder injury in the final Test match at The Oval against India. He will continue his rehabilitation and will target a return to the side during the T20 World Cup in India. England Ashes squad: Ben Stokes (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (Vice-Captain), Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood

In an announcement made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday (Sep 23), Ben Stokes will continue to lead the squad while Harry Brook will act as his deputy.

Ashes 2025-26: England announce star-studded squad as Harry Brook named vice-captain; Wood, Archer in

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Labuschagne hits fourth hundred in five innings to push case for Ashes spot

'Less likely than...,' Pat Cummins breaks silence on missing Ashes opener

Root unfazed by Hayden's 'naked run' bet on century drought ahead of Ashes

Ashes: Australia captain Cummins doubtful for opener; could miss all five Tests

Ashes 2025-26: England announce star-studded squad as Brook named vice-captain