Smith Confident Labuschagne Will Score Big Soon

Synopsis

Steve Smith believes Marnus Labuschagne is poised for a significant score despite recent performances. Labuschagne averaged 25 runs in the Test series against Sri Lanka but is not out of form, according to Smith. Australia is also gearing up for the Champions Trophy.

Key Takeaways

Steve Smith has confidence in Marnus Labuschagne's ability.
Labuschagne averaged 25 runs during the Test series.
Australia secured their first Test series win in Sri Lanka since 2011.
Competition for spots in the team intensifies with Cameron Green's return.
Australia is preparing for the Champions Trophy.

New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) Australia’s captain Steve Smith expressed his belief in Marnus Labuschagne achieving a significant score during their 2-0 Test series triumph against Sri Lanka. He is convinced that the top-order batsman is not out of form.

In securing their first Test series win in Sri Lanka since 2011, Labuschagne averaged 25 runs, scoring 50 runs throughout the series, including an unbeaten 26 in Galle to aid Australia in chasing down a modest target of 75 runs for victory in the second match.

With the impending return of Cameron Green, Labuschagne is set for a fierce competition to maintain his position in Australia's lineup for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.

“Marn is somewhat like me. I think he has been batting quite well throughout the summer, and there's a distinction between being out of form and just out of runs. I've seen Marnus perform, and we are aware he can deliver. Personally, I don't think he is out of form,” stated Smith to reporters on Monday.

“I’ve observed him train and play, and many of the skills he has exhibited are still there. Things can shift rapidly. He would love to score more runs, and we would love him to score more runs, but in my view, it's just around the corner,” Smith added.

Smith also mentioned that he was uncertain when young all-rounder Cooper Connolly would receive another opportunity to play Test cricket after a disappointing debut in Galle. Connolly bowled five wicketless overs and scored just four runs in his only batting opportunity.

“In this game, we sought additional batting and a player who could bowl a few overs, and I could have utilized him for a few more overs, but many of the bowlers performed exceptionally well too,” Smith remarked.

“He’s a gifted young talent with a promising future; he has consistently performed well wherever he has played. The first innings was a challenging time for him to bat; he was attempting to be quite aggressive and elevate our lead as much as possible,” he continued.

Australia will now focus on preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with their first ODI against Sri Lanka scheduled at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.