New Delhi, October 19 (Udaipur Kiran): Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has expressed his readiness to bat at any position if selected for the upcoming Ashes series, saying he is willing to play wherever the team needs him.

Currently, Australia are searching for a new opening partner for Usman Khawaja, and Labuschagne has emerged as a strong contender given his recent domestic form.

Labuschagne, who was part of Australia’s squad for the ongoing ODI series against India but did not feature in the playing XI for the first match in Perth, said he is confident and well-prepared after consistent performances in the Sheffield Shield.

“The selectors and coaches can place me wherever they think best — I’ll bat anywhere,” Labuschagne said. “I’ve spent my entire career batting at No. 3 for Australia, but if an opportunity arises elsewhere, I’ll take it. The Ashes are always in your mind, and if I’m performing well, everything will fall into place.”

The 31-year-old has started the domestic summer impressively, scoring four centuries in just five innings across three List-A matches and two Sheffield Shield games for Queensland. Since the start of the home season on September 17, he has recorded scores of 130, 2, 160, 105, 159, and 18, making a strong case for his Ashes selection.

Labuschagne admitted that he had lost some form and confidence before being dropped, but consistent runs have helped him regain his rhythm. “When you’re scoring runs, you feel good and confident,” he said. “After struggling for a few years, it’s nice to feel that confidence again. No matter how good you are, if you’re not scoring runs, self-doubt creeps in.”