Is Marnus Labuschagne Making a Strong Case Ahead of the Ashes?
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Synopsis
Steve Smith praises Marnus Labuschagne's resilience and strong performances ahead of the Ashes series. Labuschagne's return to form with four centuries in five matches has caught attention, raising questions about his selection. Read more to discover the insights from Smith and Labuschagne's journey back to the team.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Smith supports Marnus Labuschagne ahead of the Ashes.
- Labuschagne's resilience after being dropped is commendable.
- He scored four hundreds in five innings in domestic cricket.
- Smith advises focusing on instinctive play rather than overthinking.
- Labuschagne's versatility allows him to bat in various positions.
New Delhi, Oct 21 (NationPress) Australian cricketer Steve Smith has expressed his confidence in Marnus Labuschagne as he prepares for the upcoming Ashes series. The former captain shared insights from his discussion with the Queensland player, emphasizing the challenges athletes face when trying to validate their capabilities after being excluded from the team.
Labuschagne recently faced his first drop from Australia's Test squad in six years, with Cameron Green taking his position at No. 3. During the last match against the West Indies in the Caribbean, he was seen serving as a drink carrier.
Smith recounted their conversation, praising Labuschagne's tenacity and optimistic mindset. “He mentioned to me at the beginning of the summer, ‘I’ll be in that Test team come the first (Ashes) Test.’ He seems to have backed up those words. I reached out to him a few days ago to express my pride in his progress. Despite being dropped, he's returned to the pitch with four hundreds in five innings, which is quite a significant achievement. While he hasn’t been selected yet, he’s certainly done many things right,” Smith remarked to reporters on Tuesday, as reported by Fox Sports.
Despite the setback, Labuschagne demonstrated his value by delivering remarkable and consistent performances in domestic cricket, establishing a compelling argument for his inclusion in the crucial Ashes Tests.
“Getting dropped is always a challenge. We’ve all faced it at some point in our careers. He probably realized he wasn't batting as effectively as he did four years ago when he was scoring runs consistently. My advice was to avoid overthinking technically. He should just play the game, focus on the ball, and react,” Smith added.
Discussing Labuschagne's recent exploits and his versatility to adapt his batting position according to the team’s requirements, Smith noted:
“He’s been performing excellently and has played beautifully. He can open, as shown in the Test Championship Final, and bat at No. 3, showcasing his adaptability. Opening isn’t too different from batting at three. I believe he should continue what he’s been doing without needing to change anything.”
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Point of View
I believe in supporting our athletes through their ups and downs. In the case of Marnus Labuschagne, his ability to rebound after being dropped speaks volumes about his character. Steve Smith's endorsement highlights the importance of resilience in sports. We stand behind our players, valuing their journey and the determination they exhibit.
NationPress
21/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Steve Smith say about Marnus Labuschagne's performances?
Steve Smith praised Labuschagne's resilience and highlighted his impressive performance of four hundreds in five innings, showcasing his strong case for selection ahead of the Ashes.
How did Labuschagne respond to being dropped from the team?
Labuschagne demonstrated his worth by excelling in domestic cricket, proving his capabilities after being dropped from Australia's Test side for the first time in six years.
What advice did Smith give Labuschagne?
Smith advised Labuschagne to focus less on technical aspects and more on playing the game instinctively—watching the ball and reacting accordingly.
Can Labuschagne play in different batting positions?
Yes, Labuschagne has shown versatility by successfully batting in various positions, including opening and No. 3, adapting to the team's needs.
What is the significance of the upcoming Ashes series?
The Ashes series is a highly anticipated cricket competition between Australia and England, where players like Labuschagne aim to showcase their skills and contribute to their team's success.
