Jack Clayton has strengthened his claim for a Test call-up with a composed century for Queensland, as pressure mounts on Australia to replace Marnus Labuschagne in the top order.
The 27-year-old left-hander made 104 against Victoria at the Gabba, reaching his seventh first-class hundred from 194 deliveries with eight boundaries. His effort helped Queensland recover from 6-211, although they were eventually dismissed for 280 in reply to Victoria’s 307.
Clayton’s innings came against an attack featuring Fergus O’Neill, Test spinner Todd Murphy and one-day international representative Will Sutherland. He was eventually caught at gully after attempting to cut Matt Hennig.
The performance adds weight to Clayton’s credentials at a time when Labuschagne’s position at No.3 is under serious scrutiny. Labuschagne averaged 21.83 during Australia’s 2-1 series defeat by South Africa and has gone more than three years without scoring a Test century.
His wider record has also declined, with an average of 28.87 and just one century since the start of 2023. Australia’s batting was heavily criticised after the side was bowled out for 99 and 111 in the second and third Tests against South Africa.
Jack Clayton emerges as a potential Labuschagne replacement
Clayton had already made half-centuries in each of Queensland’s first two Sheffield Shield matches this season and now trails only New South Wales opener Ollie Davies for runs in the competition. His career first-class average stands at 39.
Australia’s selectors could instead move Steve Smith or Josh Inglis to No.3, but otherwise they will need to consider a specialist top-order batter before the four-Test series against New Zealand.
Victoria’s Sam Harper is another option after his successful move to opener late last season. The wicketkeeper has scored two centuries and a 93 since taking up the role, and made 63 in Victoria’s first innings against Queensland before being bowled by Cameron Gannon.
His opening partner Marcus Harris contributed 56, while Campbell Kellaway scored 64 at No.3. Both Kellaway and teenage one-day international representative Ollie Peake are viewed as longer-term prospects.
Sam Konstas and Kurtis Patterson failed to make a significant impact in New South Wales’ heavy defeat by Tasmania, although both have already scored centuries this season and have Test experience. South Australia’s Nathan McSweeney has also registered two Shield half-centuries, as well as a one-day century for Australia A.
Australia has rested most of its Test players for the forthcoming white-ball contests against England, with Mitchell Marsh named captain of both squads. The three one-day internationals will be played in Perth, Adelaide and Hobart from November 13 to 18, followed by five Twenty20 matches between November 21 and December 2.
