Labuschagne was surprised as Hazlewood led Australia ahead of Steve Smith

Steve Smith in action [Source: AP]

Veteran speedster Josh Hazlewood captained Australia in the second ODI of the three-match series against England, as regular skipper Pat Cummins was rested as a part of his workload management. However, the Australian think tank preferring Hazlewood ahead of the experienced Steve Smith surprised many, including ace batter Marnus Labuschagne. 

After Australia's convincing win, Labuschagne admitted to being surprised at the think tank's decision. However, he also termed it a massive opportunity for Hazlewood in the leadership space, insisting the players are flexible in accepting anyone as their leader. 

Here's what Labuschagne stated

“It was probably a little bit of a surprise but I think as a squad and as a group, we’re trying to make sure that we’re not just kind of becoming a team that can be focused on one specific person to captain,

“Obviously the thought was to give to give Josh an opportunity in that leadership space where he hasn’t had much opportunity prior to that.”

Steven Smith lost captaincy and served a one-year ban following his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in 2018. Since then, the talismanic batter has never been reinstated in leadership. 

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