‘Mr Fix-It’ just happy to play

Marnus Labuschagne has emerged as Australia’s Mr Fix-It in the Ashes, adaptable and adept at batting anywhere in their reshuffled top six for the fourth test.

Labuschagne could have been on drinks duty for the entire fivetest series if Steve Smith wasn’t struck on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s.

But Smith’s delayed concussion resulted in Labuschagne becoming international cricket’s first concussion substitute and he has grasped the opportunity with both hands.

The self-confessed cricket nerd has top-scored for Australia in three consecutive test innings and will be retained in the XI when Smith returns.

The only question is where he will bat in the pivotal clash at Old Trafford that begins tomorrow night (NZ time).

‘‘He’s an option everywhere,’’ selector Trevor Hohns gushed, also spruiking Labuschagne’s handy legspin.

Labuschagne, having batted at No 3 during this year’s SCG test, could return to first drop in a batting order headed by David Warner and either Usman Khawaja or Marcus Harris.

He may also take Matthew Wade’s spot at No 6, the position he debuted in last year.

‘‘I’ve batted a bit everywhere so far. Six, five, four, three,’’ Labuschagne said.

‘‘I’m happy to bat anywhere, wherever I’m needed or most valuable for the team. It doesn’t really matter what time I come out to bat.’’

Labuschagne has shadowed Smith throughout the tour and picked his brain about life, legspin, batting, conditions and bat collections (they each have more than 10 blades in England).

The 25-year-old has been like a sponge around everybody in the touring party.

Labuschagne’s Queensland captain Khawaja has remained a sounding board.

‘‘Strange bloke but a terrific player. He’s a lovely kid . . . that was pretty tough in the third test and he batted the house down,’’ Khawaja said. –