Marnus Labuschagne enjoys winning games for his team more than any personal milestone, the 27-year-old said after his sixth Test century consolidated their position in the second Ashes Test against England on Friday.

South Africa-born Labuschagne’s current average of 62.48 is second only to legendary Don Bradman’s benchmark of 99.94 among players who have batted in 20 innings or more. Currently No.2 in the official rankings for Test batsmen, Labuschagne dismissed the compliment as if it were an England bowler.

“It’s the first I’d heard of it,” he said. “A couple of nick offs and you are right down the pecking order. “I just think about scoring as many runs in each innings to try and win the game.

“Winning games for Australia is by far the most enjoyable part.”

Labuschagne’s 172-run stand with David Warner helped Australia weather an early wobble but it was not a flawless knock. Labuschagne was dropped twice by England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler on Thursday and Ollie Robinson got him off a no-ball before eventually trapping him lbw.

Labuschagne was also stuck in the ‘nervous nineties’ for a staggering 54 balls. “I was grinding away, I never really felt in, I never felt any of the runs I was making were easy,” he said.

“I think as we play more pink-ball games, there will be more strategy and tactics, managing the night sessions and managing the tougher times to bat and the easier times to bowl, and vice versa.”