Labuschagne's 160 and Renshaw's 128 boost Ashes case as Shield opens

Marnus Labuschagne scored a commanding 160 for Queensland in Brisbane on Monday as the opening round of the Sheffield Shield produced contrasting fortunes for contenders vying for spots in Australia's Ashes side, while New South Wales opener Sam Konstas again failed to make a significant score in Perth. Labuschagne's big century at Allan Border Field and Matt Renshaw's 128 strengthened their cases for Test selection, even as Konstas was dismissed cheaply in both innings of NSW's match against Western Australia at the WACA Ground.

Labuschagne, playing at number three, reached his 33rd first-class century in an innings that helped Queensland post a large first-innings total. He survived a couple of reprieves, was dropped on 61 and narrowly escaped a stumping on 98 before carrying on to 160, an innings that included 17 fours and two sixes. Renshaw added a patient 128 as Queensland built a commanding position. Queensland captain Usman Khawaja also made a useful contribution, and selectors chairman George Bailey was in attendance at Allan Border Field. Labuschagne said after the innings, "It's always nice to score a hundred and to get the team in a position where we can win the game...