Prior to the season, Steve Smith disclosed that Marnus Labuschagne assured him that he will return to the Test team by the beginning of the Ashes.
With two Sheffield Shield hundreds in two games and four hundreds in five innings during the early domestic season, Labuschagne is almost guaranteed to be called up, even though the Australia selectors have not yet officially confirmed that decision. This comes after he was dropped in the West Indies earlier this year.
“I sent him a message a couple of days ago saying how proud I was of him,” said Smith. After returning, he has scored his fourth hundred hits in five games. It’s a significant declaration. When the summer began, he told me, “I’ll be in that Test team come the first [Ashes] Test.” He has most likely proven his statements. He has clearly not been chosen yet, but he has done a lot of things correctly.
Talking about diving “too deep” into his technique and “trying to be too perfect” was one of Labuschagne’s struggles during the first ODI against India. This was in line with instructions Steve Smith had given him.
“We’ve all been there [dropped] at some point in our careers and it’s difficult to hear it,” added Steve Smith.
But I believe he was aware that his batting was probably not as good as it had been four years prior, when he was hitting a ton of runs.
‘Stop thinking so technically, just go and play the game; watch the ball and react,’ I believe I told him. He has been playing so well, and I think he has been doing it extremely well.”
Labuschagne’s comeback is certain, but there is still a big concern regarding where he bats in the order given the lingering controversy over Usman Khawaja’s opening partner and Sam Konstas’ ongoing struggles. There is still a potential that Labuschagne would be asked to do it again after he was elevated to the top in the World Test Championship final against South Africa.
Whether Beau Webster’s bowling is also necessary and how many overs the selectors are convinced Cameron Green can get through could play a significant role in the final selection.
“He can open, as we saw in the Test championship final,” remarked Steve Smith. He is capable of hitting three. He’s adaptable. The team’s selection will reveal the current situation. After all, it’s really not all that different from hitting three. Maybe he’s in first ball. Therefore, it’s basically the same thing.
If so, I don’t believe he needs to make any changes. Simply play the game, act as he has, see the ball land, and have faith in his gut.”
Steve Smith may also be included in the batting-order controversy regarding his potential return to No. 3. Smith averaged 53.27 against India and Sri Lanka during his four-Test tenure as opener in early 2024 before moving back to No. 4 last season.
According to Steve Smith, “I’m not too fussed, to be honest,” I’m content in a way wherever I am. However, we’ll see what happens when the team is chosen, at which point we’ll speak with Patty [Cummins] and the coaches to determine where everyone fits in best. It’ll be that easy.”
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