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Why Ashes victory is "even sweeter" for Labuschagne
Nicholas Quinlan • December 21st, 2025 6:22 pm
With Australia having retained the urn for the fifth consecutive series, Marnus Labuschagne has reflected on what it means to the Australian playing group.
The hosts would claim victory in the third Test in Adelaide by 82 runs, which sees them win the series in the space of 11 playing days, the equal fastest time that it has been done.
The series win is even more special considering Australia had been without Josh Hazlewood for the entire series, captain Pat Cummins for the first two Tests and Steve Smith for the third.
With all this adversity, the Queenslander admitted that it was great to see how his team has been able to come back from each struggle.
“Even coming to the ground today, 230 ahead, you probably in the back of your mind, you felt like that it may happen a bit quicker,” Labuschagne told SEN Cricket post-game.
“But it just shows that you can’t take anything for granted in these big series. They took it there, (we) only won by 80-something runs.
“There was a lot of media hype coming into the series about the different things we had to overcome (like) some injuries, and batting orders were a big spectacle at the start of the series.
“And even with the likes of Steve not being here for this game, it’s just great to see how the team keep finding a way, whatever has been thrown us.”
The 31-year-old would continue to praise his teammates, providing a particular shoutout to the bowling unit.
"I'm just proud of this team and how we just find a way (to win)," he declared.
"I think the depth of Australian cricket, you know, Michael Neser coming in last Test, getting a 5fa, misses out this game, and Pat Cummins comes in and bowls beautifully.
"Mitchell Starc has been brilliant the whole series, and Scott Boland has been amazing.
"For us to be able to play a series with five or six bowlers and Brendan Doggett in his first outings, averaging 27 with the ball.
"It almost makes it a sweeter victory that you are able to win it in a slightly different way with slightly different methods."
Labuschagne would play an important role in helping get Australia home on Day 5, having taken two important catches to help remove Will Jacks on 47 and Josh Tongue to finish the game.
Reflecting on those moments, the batsman, who was recalled for this series, said he was just glad to have stepped up to the occasion.
“You always want to be that person to grab the big moment when it came,” he said.
“And today it just felt like…it was a bit of a partnership (between Jacks and Carse) and to hang onto that one just swung things back to our favour.
“It’s always nice when you’re that person, kept the spot warm hot for Steve there.
“He can come back next week and park himself back up at second (slip).”
The Ashes will continue in Melbourne with the Boxing Day Test set to take place on December 26 at the MCG.
To listen to the full chat with Marnus, hit the play button below.
