Steve Smith Hails Marnus Labuschagne’s “Big Statement” As Ashes Squad Looms

Steve Smith praised Marnus Labuschagne’s prolific Sheffield Shield form, calling it a “big statement” ahead of his potential Test return in the Ashes.

Steve Smith has praised Marnus Labuschagne for making a “big statement” this summer as the batter is in contention for a return to Australia’s Test squad for next month’s Ashes at home.

After a prolonged lull in form, Labuschagne had been dropped from the West Indies Tests earlier this year. But he has hit the ground running in the ongoing Sheffield Shield, scoring centuries with ease.

“He said to me at the start of the summer, ‘I’ll be in that Test team, come the first Test’. He’s backed up his words,” Smith said. “I sent him a message a couple of days ago, saying how proud I was of him. He’s obviously got dropped from the team and he’s just gone back and he’s got four hundreds in (six) hits. That’s a pretty big statement. He’s obviously not selected yet, but he’s done a lot of things right,” Smith added.

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Labuschagne has said he would be happy to open the innings if it helps him get back in, as his preferred No.3 spot now belongs to all-rounder Cameron Green.

Smith ready and refreshed for Ashes

Smith also reflected on his own preparation, saying he feels refreshed and ready for the Ashes after not batting since late August. “I certainly get drained mentally quicker than I probably used to. Ten years ago I loved to come back and play every single game that I could. Now obviously my Test cricket has taken a huge priority,” he said, as he gears up to lead Australia with Pat Cummins unlikely to be fit at the start.

“I know that when I play a lot at the start, by the end of the summer I’m pretty cooked mentally and probably can’t produce the same performances. Last year I was probably batting my best at the back end of the summer against India, coming off not too much cricket at the start,” Smith added.

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He revealed a shift in his approach, mentioning that he is not hitting as many balls in the nets as before, aiming to stay mentally fresh. “Honestly, it takes me two hits to get sorted. I feel like I’m ready to go now. There’s obviously a balance, but I don’t think it takes me much now to get up to game speed and I want to try and stay as mentally fresh. Technically I feel in a good place, it’s about being mentally fresh. I’m not hitting as many balls as I used to. It’s to try and get the most out of myself mentally when I’m out in the middle and be able to concentrate for long periods of time.”

Smith added, “It’s interesting how the brain works. I feel like I kind of go to another level and try to set a standard, I suppose.”