Marnus Labuschagne is set for even more scrutiny after Josh Inglis made a wonderful century on Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday. Which makes a bizarre move from Labuschagne in the warm-up even more baffling.

Inglis vindicated the selectors’ decision to sideline Sam Konstas for the first Test in Galle, making 102 from just 94 balls in a stunning debut knock. After Usman Khawaja was finally dismissed for 232, Inglis piled more misery on the Sri Lankans as he brought up his century on the 90th ball he faced – the second-fastest century by a debutant in Test history.

The No.5 batter punched Nishan Peiris to deep extra cover to reach triple figures in the second session and gestured to his family in the crowd. He then embraced batting partner Alex Carey, who he’s been back-up wicket-keeper to for the last few years.

“It was nice to share that moment with him,” Inglis said. “I just tried to be really proactive and put the bowlers under pressure when I could and tried to get down the other end. I’m just really happy, it probably hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Josh Inglis century heaps pressure on Marnus Labuschagne

Inglis’ century has given selectors a huge headache, especially with the World Test Championship final to be played in June. If the West Australian can keep scoring runs he’d make himself virtually undroppable, while Konstas will be banging down the door and Cameron Green is due to return in time for the final.

It means the batter who might be the odd-man out is Labuschagne, who only made 20 on a docile pitch that saw Khawaja, Inglis and Steve Smith (141) all feast. Labuschagne hasn’t made a Test century in two years, and his average in the second half of his career is only 30.

He burst onto the scene and was averaging 70 across his first 30 Tests, but the next 25 matches haven’t been nearly as good. His career average is still very good at 47.23, but it’s been steadily falling over the last three years and he hasn’t made a ton since 2023.

RELATED:

Marnus Labuschagne spotted practicing wicket-keeping

With Konstas and Inglis demanding selection and Green seemingly a walk-up starter if fully fit, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Labuschagne left out of the XI at some stage this year. And considering the immense pressure he’s under, it was a shock to many to see him wearing wicket-keeper gloves and taking deliveries from Cooper Connolly during the warm-up on Thursday.

Considering Australia have two keepers in Sri Lanka (Carey and Inglis), there doesn’t appear to be any need for Labuschagne to be practicing the skill. Many pointed out on social media that he’s only risking a finger injury if he cops a ball in the wrong place, and a stint on the sidelines is the last thing he needs considering his spot is in danger.

Mitchell Starc had copped backlash over similar scenes

It immediately evoked memories of when Mitchell Starc was called into question for doing similar at the World Cup in 2023. Starc was rested for a pool game against Afghanistan, but was seen wearing keeper gloves and catching deliveries from his fellow bowlers in the warm-up.

Kiwi commentator Simon Doull said at the time: “He was actually wicket-keeping this morning to the quick bowlers, and I thought, ‘That is fraught with danger’. You’ve got a couple of games left in the World Cup, and you’ve got the gloves on wicket-keeping to the quicks. If you get one on the finger, I just didn’t think that was overly smart.”

Aussie legend Matthew Hayden added: “You’re having the day off. The last thing you want to do is break a finger.” While Labuschagne only appeared to be keeping to spinners, you’d think the same principle would apply – especially if your career can’t afford an untimely injury.