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Marnus Labuschagne has continued to make the most of his Test opportunity in Adelaide by making his second straight century against Pakistan.
Jofra Archer's brutal Ashes blow to Steve Smith has proven the catalyst to set up Australia's summer, with Marnus Labuschagne reaffirming his status as the ultimate accidental hero with a second Test century.
Labuschagne on Friday backed up his breakthrough Test ton at the Gabba with 126 not out at the Adelaide Oval against a deflated Pakistan.
The 25-year-old was chanceless as he brought up his hundred in 169 balls under lights and cloudy skies, as part of an unbeaten 294-run stand with David Warner.
But the reality is had it not been for English paceman Archer, Labuschagne may not have had the chance he's had batting at No.3 for Australia.
A batting reserve in the Ashes, Labuschagne was only called upon when a damaging Archer bouncer left Smith shaken and needing a concussion substitute.
Until that point Labuschagne averaged just 26.25 in Test cricket.
From there his story is well known. He stood up, demanded his spot in the team and was handed the crucial role at No.3.
Since then, he has made more than 600 runs at an average of above 80. He is also the top run-scorer in both Test and first-class cricket this year.
In nine innings he's had two centuries and six scores above 50. Just twice has he failed to pass 20.
"His work ethic is outstanding, he's got this bromance between him and Smudge (Steve Smith]) and it's really rubbing off on him in the way he prepares," Warner said.
"I've had people say they couldn't believe how good he was, and everyone talks about how he gets starts.
"But I always said to him the hardest one is your first one, and then it goes on from there.
"To see him start like he did last game, loud calls, good intent, rotated the strike, I can't praise him anymore, he's an outstanding talent."
Friday's innings was arguably better than the one he produced at the Gabba.
After a watchful start he clipped anything that strayed too straight to the legside boundary, and grew more aggressive as the evening went on.
He crunched three impressive pull shots off debutant Muhammad Musa that sent the ball racing to the boundary, and delicately late cut the spinners behind point.
Labuschagne brought up triple figures when he worked Yasir Shah to midwicket for two, triggering an emphatic celebration before he embraced fellow centurion David Warner.
LABUSCHAGNE'S EFFORTS ON BECOMING SUPER SUB
Pre-Ashes: Eight innings, 210 runs at 26.25
Since: Nine innings, 664 runs at 83.
