“I just want to be playing good cricket, that’s my focus right now – if it’s right now but means I’m not doing it for Australia at this minute that’s OK, I just want to be scoring runs consistently.
“I know when I get my opportunity back in the Test side or one-day side I’ll be ready to take it.”
Labuschagne’s ODI axing came after a lean period in the 50-over game for his country, averaging 13.80 in his past 10 knocks, and followed his demotion from the Test side ahead of the West Indies tour.
But is now back playing with a freedom which had alluded him for the best part of two years – his latest century was scored from just 89 deliveries.
Labuschagne struck eight boundaries and two sixes in the process, combining with Jack Clayton (64) for a 90-run partnership, only for the majority of the line-up to ultimately throw their wickets away.
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His dismissal triggered a collapse of 7-70 to keep Tasmania well in the hunt, with Tim Ward (105), Jordan Silk (85 not out) and Caleb Jewel (79) chasing the 311 target with 10 balls to spare.
But Labuschagne was adamant he was back to his best touch.
“I’m in a really nice rhythm at the moment feeling the game and reading the game. I’ve been in this scenario before, the key is you just want to keep making sure you stay nice and consistent and start each innings again,” Labuschagne said.
“The thing when you’re playing nicely, you can try to overplay your hand and push it a bit, so I’m in a nice position now. Over time, my technique has been so different at different times in my career, so it’s nice to be in a space where I’m very clear.
“It’s very runs-based, and I want to be out there assessing the conditions, assessing what I need to do and how I need to play, and then moulding my technique to those conditions.”
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