ODI World Cup: 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 Africa 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 final squads are finalised on September 28.
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While Labuschagne and Warner struck majestic hundreds Travis Head hammered 64 off 36 balls while Josh Inglis slammed 50 off 37 deliveries as Australia posted a big total. Warner and Travis Head shared a 109-run partnership for the opening wicket to set the foundation for the innings.