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"He's As Good As Anyone": Steve Smith Backs Labuschagne Amid Test Struggle

Soumyajit Dutta

Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith [Source: @Koinistakes/X.com]Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith [Source: @Koinistakes/X.com]

Marnus Labuschagne's recent omission from Australia's Test XI for the West Indies series opener has fuelled speculation about his place in the upcoming Ashes squad. Rumours circulating in the Australian press and among former players suggest his prolonged dip in form could jeopardize his selection. However, teammate Steve Smith has firmly endorsed the out-of-favour batter.

Steve Smith Thinks Labuschagne Was In Great Shape During WTC Final

Steve Smith dismissed doubts about Labuschagne's future, expressing strong confidence in his quality and ability to rebound. He highlighted Labuschagne's technical strengths even during his recent run drought.

“At his best, he’s as good as anyone in the world and I’ve no doubt he’ll get back there. He’s actually in a pretty good place. I think I said it after the last game – I thought he batted really well in the World Test Championship Final without going on to make a big score," Smith told SEN Radio, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Smith provided a technical assessment regarding Labuschagne's form and his technique that might have impacted his performance.

“I thought his movements, the positions he was getting himself into and the way he was in particular clipping the ball through mid-wicket (was great). I think when he’s doing that from an off-stump line, I feel like that’s when he’s in a good place, his balance is good, and his movements are pretty good. So yeah, I thought he was batting well,” Smith added.

Smith Backs Labuschagne's Potential

Notably, Smith reiterated Marnus Labuschagne's world-class potential and how he can come back to the national side.

“Labuschagne’s obviously not played the last Test match, and he’s got an opportunity to work on a few things that he probably wants to work on without the pressures of playing in the game as well,” Smith concluded.

Labuschagne's Lacklustre Test Form

Notably, Marnus Labuschagne's Test average has dropped from 33.3 (2023-24) to an astonishing 26.5 (2024-25) implying his benching. Across 17 innings in 2024, he managed just 463 runs at an average of 30.9, a significant drop from his earlier standards. 

Despite facing 987 deliveries, Labuschagne failed to register a single century. His strike rate of 46.9 reflected a lack of fluency, and with a dot ball percentage of 76.4%, he often struggled to rotate the strike. For someone seen as the backbone of Australia's Test setup, his lack of impact with the bat has been a growing concern throughout the year.