'I don't see us as similar players': Marnus Labuschagne on comparisons with Steve Smith
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith (PC: Twitter)
Australia's Marnus Labuschagne is widely regarded as one of the best Test batters going around in SENA conditions. Labuschagne is a self-acclaimed follower of Steve Smith and has been likened to the latter during several of his innings. However, Labuschagne is yet to replicate Smith's numbers with the bat in One-Day cricket.
In the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, the right-hander managed just 116 runs. Critics have been vocal about their strike rates in ODIs, with Labuschagne scoring at 85.80 and Smith at 88.43 in the middle overs.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Labuschagne opened up about comparisons with Smith in the 50-over format, saying they add different dimensions to the team.
"I don't really see us as similar players, I think we attack the game very differently. [Steve] goes a lot more straight down the wicket, especially against spin, whereas I attack it quite square with sweeps. Obviously, I think there's room for both of us. Steve got 100 off 60 balls against India in back-to-back games and feel like we complement each other depending on what the situation is."
50-overs WC is pinnacle of international white-ball event: Labuschagne
The 28-year-old opened up about his love for the 50-overs format and his ambition to play and win the upcoming WC in India in 2023. He has so far played 21 ODIs and scored 677 runs with one ton and four fifties.
"The history that comes with one-day cricket makes it such an amazing format. There's been so many great World Cup wins over so many years, so to be a part of a World Cup would be an amazing experience and one that I look forward to. Still think it's the pinnacle of international white-ball events."
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