Marnus Labuschagne knows what it is like to be left out of a Test match. In fact, that experience is one he believes made him a better athlete in the long run.
The countdown for the extended squad for the first Ashes Test to be announced is nearing closer, with several players awaiting to learn where they stand in the order.
But for young star Sam Konstas, it is a wait that could see him miss out on featuring in this summer's Ashes series, with his Sheffield Shield results not falling in his favour.
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The 20-year-old has produced scores of 4, 14, 0, 53, 10 and 41 in the Shield for New South Wales, while his fellow Australian teammates have starred in the heat of battle.
Labuschagne has been one of the most impressive in recent weeks, smashing his fifth century in eight innings for Queensland this season when he stepped out on Monday.
The 31-year-old is unsure if he will be opening the batting or starting at No.3 in the first Test, although he admits he is comfortable taking on either option.
Jake Weatherald and Matt Renshaw are among the favourites to join Usman Khawaja as the opening batsmen, meaning Labuschagne could move to his best position at No.3.
With Cam Green still under a cloud as a bowling all-rounder for the first Test, also, Beau Webster is another contender that could be included in the squad.
Either way, those options seemingly mean that Konstas will not be in the squad.
Konstas has remained upbeat about his chances of making the Ashes squad, but Labuschagne has given some words of advice to the young star in case he is to miss out on the squad this time around.
"It's something that needed to happen for me to get where I am today," Labuschagne said, reflecting on his own Test axing when asked about Konstas' situation.
"While you're still playing and you're getting scrutinised, it's hard to get clarity on where you want your game to be and how you want to do that.
"It was something that really needed to happen for me to find my best.
"Sammy is so talented,"he continued.
"We've seen that. He's young. This is first-class cricket and it's not easy, especially batting at the top. He'll learn his game.
"I feel when he really learns his game, learns when to attack and defend and use all those shots, he's a very good player for Australia.
"Whatever happens for him, I've got no doubt that he's going to be a future player for Australia and it's about getting those people around him to support him. He'll work it out."
Reflecting on his recent results, Labuschagne went on to brush off suggestions that he could have used up his runs too early in the season.
"Never," he replied.
"I feel like whenever you're batting badly, you're always like, 'geez, I just need to get that rhythm and feel'. Once you've got it, you protect it like it's gold.
"I never believed in it because I just feel it's a habit. If you're batting well and scoring runs, it's a habit."
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