Steve Smith leaks Marnus Labuschagne’s private message about Ashes selection

Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith, who is likely to lead the national cricket team in place of Pat Cummins for the first Ashes Test in Perth, has expressed full confidence in Marnus Labuschagne. Smith also revealed that Labuschagne sent a message to him regarding his selection for the Ashes 2025-26 series.

After being dropped from the Test side for the first time in six years, Labuschagne had taken on the role of carrying drinks during the Test series against the West Indies, with Cameron Green filling his usual No. 3 position. Labuschagne sent a message to Smith, who was vacationing in New York, after Australia.

Marnus Labuschagne Said to Me At the Start of the Summer - Steve Smith

Before the start of the Australian summer, Marnus Labuschagne texted Steve Smith that he would return to the Test side for the first match. Labuschagne has been in remarkable form, scoring four centuries in five matches for the Bulls across formats.

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He was recalled to Australia’s ODI squad and could be in contention for a spot in the starting XI for the Ashes opener in Perth next month. Smith said that he is proud of Labuschagne’s achievements.

"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," he added.

I Certainly Get Drained Mentally Quicker Than... - Steve Smith

Steve Smith stated that he feels mentally refreshed and ready for the Ashes after not playing since late August. Smith added that he is preparing to lead Australia while managing his own mental and physical workload effectively.

"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," Smith said.

"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," he added.

It Takes Me Two Hits to Get Sorted - Steve Smith

The star batter stated that he focuses on mental freshness rather than heavy net sessions. Smith stated that it takes him only a couple of hits to feel ready for match conditions, allowing him to concentrate fully on the game. He also added that his mindset elevates his performance on the field.

"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."

"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," he added.

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