National coach Andrew McDonald has re-affirmed Marnus Labuschagne is in contention to open the batting for Australia in the first Ashes Test and given the axed star a "big tick" in his push for a recall.

Labuschagne has peeled off three centuries for Queensland in his past four innings, including a knock of 160 in a Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania.

But McDonald said more impressive than the weight of runs was the fashion in which the former world No.1 Test batter had gone about his innings. Advertisement

Labuschagne, implored to be more proactive at the crease in his bid to earn a recall, scored his 160 off 206 balls.

The right-hander also plundered 130 from 118 deliveries in a one-day cup match against Victoria, as well as 105 off 91 against Tasmania in the same competit

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