Marnus Labuschagne wants to be left in the deep end at No. 3 for Australia against visiting Sri Lankans

Marnus Labuschagne says he wants the heavy-duty job as Australia’s No. 3 against Sri Lanka after his call-up to the demanding position in the Sydney Test surprised many.

Marnus Labuschagne has no interest in warming anyone’s seat and has outlined his determination to cement himself as Australia’s No. 3 against Sri Lanka.

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The level-headed Queenslander’s elevation from outside the team to the most heavy-duty position in the batting order might have shocked some, but Labuschagne wants to make the position his own despite the looming presence of Usman Khawaja and less immediately, Steve Smith.

Labuschagne says he’s confident he can conquer the pink ball on his home deck the Gabba in the first Test against Sri Lanka this month, pointing to a Sheffield Shield match two summers back, when he weathered a storm from his now teammates Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Australia's batsman Marnus Labuschagne sweeps a ball on day three of the Sydney Test.

Australian coach Justin Langer felt throwing Labuschagne into the deep end at No. 3 would in fact help his game, and the 24-year-old relished the challenge so much — making a promising 38 against India at the SCG — that he wants to nail it down.

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“I’m not sure about the selection stuff but absolutely, anyone who gets the opportunity to bat at No. 3 for their country wants to make it their own,” said Labuschagne.

“An opportunity was missed this game. As a top order player when you get a start you want to make it count.

“I do play at the Gabba a fair bit so I’m used to the pace and bounce there.

“I actually found it a bit easier to go out there (at No. 3) because it’s somewhere where I’m really used to batting.

“I’m not a great waiter to bat, I love getting out there.

“I bat 3 for Queensland and I like getting out there early.

Marnus Labuschagne showed enough in his first innings 38 to prompt Test great Ricky Ponting to mark his name down as a certainty for this year’s Ashes tour.

“If that opportunity does come in this next Test series, I’m going to try and make it my own.”

Labuschagne says he hasn’t played pink ball cricket since standing up boldly against NSW’s all-Australian attack at the Gabba back in October 2016 in one of his first major statements to selectors.

Batting at No. 4, Labuschagne made an unbeaten 85 for Queensland, defying Hazlewood who had knocked off four other Bulls’ wickets.

Marnus Labuschagne makes a young boy’s day as he signs autographs during one of the rain delays during the Sydney Test.

When the lights go on the game situation can change drastically in a day-night Test, but Labuschagne is confident he has the game and the experience to feel comfortable no matter what Sri Lanka and the elements throw his way.

“I reckon my last pink ball game was against NSW at the Gabba against Starcy and Hazlewood and I think I went all right there,” he said.

“It’s going to be exciting. The pink ball always adds that little bit of an element of something different. Especially at the Gabba where there’s a little bit more pace and bounce in the wicket.

“It’s an exciting test.”

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