AUS vs PAK: 'Steve Smith Seems Like Lead Front-runner...' - Marnus Labuschagne On David Warner's Replacement

Australian middle-order batter Marnus Labuschagne expressed confidence in Steve Smith‘s ability to replace David Warner as the Test opener. Marnus Labuschagne highlighted Steve Smith’s motivation and eagerness to bat, making him well-suited for the opening role.

David Warner retired from Test cricket after the third and final match against Pakistan in Sydney. Specialist openers like Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, and Marcus Harris are under consideration, with all-rounder Cameron Green also being an outside contender.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson suggested the idea of Steve Smith opening the batting. Smith expressed his interest in taking up the opening position if the selectors decide to pursue this option. They will make the final decision before the West Indies series.

Steve Smith Wants To Get Out There Straight Away – Marnus Labuschagne

Speaking to SEN Cricket, Marnus Labuschagne highlighted Steve Smith’s impressive averages at various batting positions in Tests. Marnus expressed that Smith would excel in the role, emphasizing his eagerness to get to the crease promptly.

“He averages 58 at five, 61 at four and 67 at three, so it seems like the higher he goes the more he averages. I’ve got no doubt if that’s the way we went, he would do very well. He really wants it, he wants that motivation… waiting to bat is not his forte, he wants to get out there straight away,” Labuschagne said.

Smith has predominantly batted at No. 4, amassing 5930 runs at an average of 61.77, featuring 19 centuries and 26 fifties. He also delivered remarkable performances at No. 3, scoring 1744 runs in 29 innings at an average of 67.08. Overall, his career average is 58.15.

Steve Smith has fallen short of expectations in the recent Test series against Pakistan, securing only one half-century in five innings. In the last year, he performed impressively, amassing 929 runs in 13 matches at an average of 42.22, including three centuries.

I’m Happy To Do What The Team Needs – Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne stated that he is comfortable batting at No. 3 and emphasized the team’s needs as the top priority. Labuschagne mentioned that Steve Smith seems to be the primary contender for the opening position, given his keen interest.

“I’m happy to do what the team needs, but I do love batting at three, I love the variety of the role. At the moment it could be anyone… I’ve seen the media throwing around Travis Head, throwing around me, obviously the three openers outside of the squad, Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris. Smudge (Steve Smith) seems like the lead frontrunner, the one that really wants it,” Labuschagne added.

The Pat Cummine-led team are scheduled to play a two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting with the first Test in Adelaide on January 17. Subsequently, the team will engage in a white-ball series, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, from February 2 to 13.

Following the series against the West Indies, Australia will proceed with a tour of New Zealand, which includes 3 T20Is and 2 Tests, starting on February 21.

Also read: AUS vs PAK: “Certainly Interested” – Steve Smith Keen To Replace David Warner As Australia’s Test Opener