One crisp cover drive on a clear Wednesday morning told Marnus Labuschagne he was on the brink of returning to his best form, as his quest to earn an Ashes berth gained momentum.

As Australian selector George Bailey watched on at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field, Labuschagne peeled off a classy 130 to launch Queensland’s Dean Jones Cup campaign in fine style.

The 31-year-old, eager to regain his place in the Test side after being axed for the most recent series in the West Indies, moved his feet with freedom to post his century in just 92 balls against Victoria.

He revealed his time away from international cricket had helped him trust his instincts again – which he admittedly questioned before his demotion – and an early boundary off rival quick Mitch Perry set the tone.

“When the wicket

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