Marnus Labuschagne claims hat-trick, gives massive statement to critics amid Ashes crisis

Marnus Labuschagne claims hat-trick

Marnus Labuschagne claimed a hat-trick to steer Redlands to a 41-run win over Valleys in the T20 Max Final on Saturday. Coming on to bowl the 15th over, Labuschagne dismissed Tighe Morris with wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson completing a sharp catch. Labuschagne returned in the 18th over to dismiss Cameron Boyce, who holed out to Lachlan Bangs at deep square leg off a full toss. Having taken two wickets in two balls, he then cleaned up Tom Hallion’s stumps to complete a sensational hat-trick, securing a memorable victory for Redlands. He finished with figures of 3/13 from 2.2 overs as Valleys were bowled out for 150 while chasing 192.

Marnus Labuschagne hat trick?

Marnus Labuschagne hat trick!

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He finished the game off in the KFC T20 Max Final to give Redlands the win over Valleys.

Watch the full replay on 7plus: https://t.co/FbUhjSYlqA pic.twitter.com/TdYCcVkoex

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) September 7, 2025

Earlier, Labuschagne struck three fours before getting out for 10-ball 16. Jimmy Pierson helped his team to a huge 191/6 in their allocated 20 overs with a spectacular 102* off 50 balls, which included five 6s and ten 4s.

Labuschagne's selection in Ashes doubtful

Labuschagne is ready to open the innings in Tests in order to secure a spot in the forthcoming Ashes, which starts from November 21 in Perth. He had opened for the first time in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, accumulating 17 and 22 in both innings. He was then dropped from the Test squad in the subsequent series against the West Indies.

Labuschagne has amassed 1364 runs at an average of 31 in 2023, during which he scored ten half-centuries. The drop in form has led to questions on his position in the squad, casting doubt on his selection for the much-anticipated Ashes, cricket's oldest rivalry.

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Recently, during an interaction with Cricket Australia, Labuschagne affirmed he is devoting less time to perfecting his technique and is instead taking a more relaxed approach to the game with an aim to reclaim his Test spot for the Ashes. "My technique, over time, hasn't been where I wanted it to be, and probably there's been a little bit too much time and focus going into trying to get that right, rather than just playing with what I've got," he said.

"But it's been a nice time to reset, be able to recalibrate and go, 'Okay I missed that West Indies series, how am I going to get myself ready to play the Ashes?' That's obviously the ultimate goal – to be back in that team come the first Test."