Steve Smith Backs Labuschagne To Make A Test Comeback: 'He's As Good As...'

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-07-01 15:32:15 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-07-01 15:17:51

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Former Australian captain Steve Smith has thrown his support behind incumbent Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne, claiming that the 25-year-old's recent poor form is merely a "blip" in an otherwise stellar career.

Labuschagne has been a mainstay in the Australian Test side since making his debut in 2018, but he has struggled in recent matches, scoring just 87 runs in six innings in the current series against the red-hot Indian side.

Smith, who knows a thing or two about overcoming poor form himself, believes that Labuschagne is too good a player to be sidelined long-term and that this is simply a temporary setback in his career.

"I think every batsman, especially when they're starting their careers, will have little blips," Smith told reporters in Sydney on Monday. "He's as good as anyone going around, and he's an important part of our side. He's been batting beautifully in the nets.

"He's just got to keep doing what he's doing, what's made him such a good player, and hopefully, he can spend a little more time out in the middle."

Smith's backing of Labuschagne comes as the Australian team seeks a victory in the ongoing series, with the second Test currently underway in Melbourne.

Despite the optimism and confidence that Smith has imparted to his younger teammate, Labuschagne's position in the side remains uncertain, with the upcoming Ashes series in England on the horizon.

Time will tell whether Labuschagne can regain his form and retain his place in the Baggy Greens.

Go!