1 month ago
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Aussie Test legend David Boon believes Marnus Labuschagne can reclaim his Test cap for The Ashes, but warns whoever opens the batting for Australia, England will be coming ready to play.
Marnus Labuschagne was dropped from the Australian Test team for the recent tour of the West Indies after averaging just 27.20 across his last 10 innings.
Despite a career average of 52.20, his recent form slump opened the door for younger talent.
Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old NSW prodigy, was considered as a future option but struggled during the tour of the West Indies.
However he averaged just 16.75 across four innings, raising questions about his readiness for Test selection.
'The underlying thing is, I watched a little bit of cricket from England against India and England are playing very positive cricket as they done for a lot of years,' Boon said.
David Boon has retired from his roll with the International Cricket Council after 12 years
The mustachioed former Aussie batsman was known for his slashing style of play in the middle order
'They've got their side reasonably settled, they're going to be extremely competitive - as England always are in an Ashes series.
'I think our guys will lift. I dont't think anyone is under the miscomprehension that we're not settled.
'But I think anybody that the guys select will be ready for the contest.'
Boon backed Konstas to play a role in The Ashes and further into the future, despite his recent lean returns.
'Sam Konstas, I think he's got a lot of talent,' he said.
'It takes a while to settle in and I'm just very hopeful that he does that.
'But I'm sure that the experience amongst any younger people that are selected for The Ashes will hold them to a good stead.
'We are definitely going to have to be playing really good cricket against a very strong English team.'
Boon believes there is a bright future for Sam Konstas despite his lean returns in the West Indies
Boon also believes Marnus Labuschagne can force his way back into the Test side after he was dropped following the World Test Championship final
But the former Aussie batsman said that Labuschagne was not a spent force, and backed him to find form in the Sheffield Shield.
'He was a fantastic cricketer,' Boons said.
'He's gone through a little bit of a tough period. I remember we all did at times.
'For our depth and our strength with his experience, if he can get some runs in Shield cricket and get his confidence right up, obviously I wouldn't discount a return for Marnus.
Boon said he was looking forward to watching more domestic cricket after 12 years working in international cricket, and said Australia A stars Jason Sangha and Jake Weatherald.
Both starred for Australia A against Sri Lanka, with Sangha's double ton leading former Test captain Ricky Ponting to declare him 'ready' for The Ashes.
'There's definitely options there, Boon said.
'Whoever gets in there, they'll be dragged into The Ashes, the emotion and what an Ashes series means.'
There are rising Australian batsman pushing for selection as well, like Jason Sangha (pictured)
Happily retired, Boon has welcomed his fourth grandchild to the world and joked that he hoped his kids would not give it a rest, 'so me and my wife can get some rest'.
He has also taken part of the recent Kia Tasman marketing campaign, which has brought together a staggering amount of Australian sporting talent - along with tennis champion Rafael Nadal.
As part of the campaign, each athlete has a side hustle in the quiet community of Tasman Town.
Boon's side hustle in Tasman town is the local baker, and he said the secret to the perfect croissant was 'lots of butter and be gentle'.
'Initially I was just contacted by Kia to be involved, reading on what was going on, it was a no-brainer really,' he said.
'It was a good opportunity to represent a brand that I now know is extremely honourable, progressive, it's young and fantastic.
'The first 15 months of our association has been absolutely wonderful.'
'I was blown away with all the guys and girls that were being involved,' he said.
Boon has been part of the Kia Tasman advertising campaign which features Aussie sporting greats in their fictional side hustles in 'Tasman Town'
The former Test batsman runs 'Boony's Bakery' and his trademark pastry is the croissant
The Kia campaign features some of the biggest names in sport including Damien Oliver, Lance 'Buddy' Franklin and Darren Lockyer
'With the exception of myself, it is the most iconic group of Australian sports people put together in a campaign.
'Each and every one of them have great stories to tell and represented their sports very successfully.
'They've become cult figures notable to all the Australian public.
'It's been fantastic and we have a great time every time we get together.'
Boon said he was genuinely excited about the launch of the Kia Tasman, which he thinks is the perfect all-round vehicle for Australians.
'I think it covers all bases,' he said.
'It's a little bit different in its looks to its competitors, but it is extremely comfortable, it is well fitted out.
'You could use it as a family car, you could use it as a trade vehicle, it goes well off road, I just think it is a great all-around vehicle for anyone that wants to do that sort of thing.
'It stands out from the rest.'
