Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne has made an impressive comeback in red-ball cricket after being banned from the national Test. Labuschagne, dropped after a disappointing outing in the Test World Cup final, responded in emphatic fashion, scoring four centuries in his last five Sheffield Shield appearances.
Senior Australian batsman Steve Smith has backed Labuschagne and expressed confidence in his potential return to the national team ahead of the upcoming Ashes series. Speaking to The Age, Smith acknowledged Labuschagne’s remarkable form and the determination he has shown since the start of the domestic season.
“It’s a pretty big statement,” Smith said. “He told me at the beginning of the summer, ‘I’ll be in this test team for the first test.’ He confirmed his words.”
While Labuschagne has yet to be officially recalled, his recent form has made a compelling case. Smith highlighted Labuschagne’s flexibility, noting that the batter can adapt to different roles in the lineup.
“Obviously he’s not picked yet but he’s done a lot of things right. He can open up, as we saw in the Test World Cup final, but he can also bat at No.3. He’s versatile,” Smith added.
Smith reflected on Labuschagne’s turnaround and revealed that a key conversation ahead of Australia’s domestic season may have helped restore the batsman’s attitude. Smith advised Labuschagne to focus less on technique and more on instinctive play, advice that appears to have paid off.
“It’s always tough when you’re down. I think he knew he probably wasn’t hitting as well as he could have. My advice to him was to stop thinking so technically – just go out there, watch the ball and react. I think he’s doing that really beautifully,” Smith explained.
Australia are yet to announce their Test squad for the five-match Ashes series against England. After missing the recent series against the West Indies, Labuschagne is widely expected to return. If he were to be recalled, he would likely reclaim the No. 3 spot in the batting order.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
October 21, 2025
