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Making a career in cricket is all about grasping the opportunities when they arise.

Doubly so when you're a player who may not boast the raw natural talent and skill of others who are fighting for the same chances.

For Marnus Labuschagne, his dazzling 185 at the Gabba on Saturday may never have happened if not for an untimely injury to a Queensland teammate.

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Both Labuschagne and Matthew Renshaw - who have played together with the Bulls in domestic cricket for a number of years - earned a ticket to India mid-2018 for an Australia A tour.

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The latter, who had already played 11 Tests for his country, injured his hamstring there, and then was subsequently concussed in a tour game in Dubai which was essentially a selection trial.

The head knock to Renshaw while fielding gifted Labuschagne a chance, and he capitalised with a gritty 39 against Pakistan A.

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And that was the innings that convinced coach Justin Langer to hand Labuschagne his debut baggy green.

"In the history of Australian cricket a lot of people have taken their opportunity through injury," Langer said at the time on selecting Labuschagne for his debut against Pakistan.

"And I thought Marnus fielded brilliantly, had a good day with the bat yesterday and bowled a few overs of leggies, so he's certainly put a strong case forward."

The then-24-year-old South African born batsman failed in his debut, scoring only 0 and 13 in his two digs in Dubai.

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Labuschagne did better in Abu Dhabi, scoring 25 and 43 in tough conditions, but wouldn't get another crack until three months later when called in for the Sydney Test against India.

A stubborn 38 in that match was backed up by 81 against Sri Lanka in Brisbane, and then two fails against Sri Lanka again in Canberra.

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Ironically, Labuschagne's next chance would again come due to concussion. He replaced Steve Smith in the second Ashes match at Lord's and carved out a 59 in the second innings.

That was enough to convince hierarchy to keep him in the side, and he responded with scores of 74, 80, 67, and 48 again over the course of the Ashes.

His next dig on home soil would be the classy 185 in front of a home crowd at the Gabba.

From a bloke who may not have been handed a debut if not for the misfortune of a teammate, Labuschagne must now be considered a lock for Australia's No.3 position for some time to come.