Aussie veteran Marnus Labuschagne makes honest admission about form struggles ahead of South Africa tour

Australian veteran Marnus Labuschagne has admitted his form slump has left him open to criticism, but is determined to silence the doubters in the upcoming tour of South Africa.

Labuschagne, whose last Test century came more than three years and 43 innings ago, is in Australia’s squad for the eagerly anticipated series in South Africa in October.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Marnus Labuschagne owns up to batting struggles

The 32-year-old was dropped for Australia’s tour of the Caribbean last year, but dominated on return to the Sheffield Shield and deserved to be recalled for last summer’s home Ashes.

But the runs still haven’t come, averaging just 22.7 in seven Tests since coming back in November in Perth.

Speaking exclusively to 7NEWS, Labuschagne said the criticism has been warranted.

“Criticism ... you bring on yourself as a player because that’s performance-based,” he said.

“I’m not getting criticised because of me as a person, they are criticisng my performance which in the last two years I have let that happen.

“People that know me know that every single part of me is doing everything I can to get back to what my best looks like.”

Despite the lean patch of form and calls for him to be dropped, Labuschagne never lost faith as he prepares to play in front of some familiar faces in South Africa.

“I, at no stage, thought there was never going to be another opportunity .... so, no, I didn’t really give that much thought,” he said.

“It’s always exciting to get to play in front of people I grew up with since we were kids, aunties uncles and grandparents.”

Labuschagne will begin his quest to regain form on Saturday Queensland’s one-day cup clash against Victoria at Allan Border Field.

Meanwhile, former Australia selector Merv Hughes has challenged fringe batters to a make a compelling case to replace Labuschagne in the Test team.