With the highly buzzing Ashes 2025-26 series just around the corner. Marnus Labuschagne has been putting up a stellar showdown in the ongoing Sheffield Shield tournament with his red-hot form. He scored his second consecutive century, registering 159 runs against South Australia. After getting omitted from the Australian Test team, Marnus Labuschagne is putting his everything into getting back his lost number three spot ahead of the blockbuster Ashes series. He now has four centuries across all the formats, including two in the 50-over cricket. His total run tally stands at 556 runs at an average of 111.2. Also Read: Pat Cummins Shares Injury Update Ahead of Ashes 2025 Opener Marnus Labuschagne started with great composure against South Africa, carrying the same confidence from the previous match. He continued to play cautiously with control on every shot. After reaching his half-century, he shifted his gears, taking down every bowler for another century for Queensland this season. In just 129 deliveries, he brought up his blistering century by smashing Liam Scott for a boundary. Australia’s Number 3 Dilemma With the Ashes date drawing near, Australia is going to face a big headache for the number three spot in the coming Ashes. With Marnus Labuschagne returning to his form in a thumping style, his recall to the Australian squad is on the cards. Labuschagne, who bats at number 3 in Tests, will face tough competition from Cameron Green. Former Australian cricketers are vouching for Marnus for the opening, but Australia’s options for the opening slot are limited. Sam Konstas is yet to go big in the Sheffield Shield, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft are also yet to impress with their performance. If Labuschagne moves back to the opening role, it would then allow Australian management to use Cameron Green at number three, followed by Steve Smith at number 4 and Beau Webster at number 6 if he recovers in time from his ankle injury.