Is Marnus Labuschagne at Risk of Being Dropped? Steve Smith Answers the Press

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has dismissed concerns over Marnus Labuschagne’s form despite a modest showing in the recent 2-0 Test series victory against Sri Lanka. Labuschagne scored just 50 runs at an average of 25, including an unbeaten 26 in Galle that helped Australia chase a 75-run target in the second Test. However, Smith believes Labuschagne is “not out of form” and is close to a big score, emphasizing that there is a difference between being out of form and out of runs.

With Cameron Green set to return, Labuschagne faces stiff competition for a spot in Australia’s playing XI for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June. Meanwhile, young all-rounder Cooper Connolly had a quiet Test debut in Galle, scoring only four runs and delivering five wicketless overs. On Marnus, Smith said:

Marn’s similar to me in a way. Throughout the summer, I think he’s actually batting quite nicely and there’s a difference between being out of form and out of runs, and I’ve seen Marnus do it, we know he can do it. I don’t think he’s out of form personally. I’ve watched him train and watched him play, and a lot of the things he’s done so well are there. Things can turn around pretty quickly. He’d love to score more runs and we’d love him to score more runs, but in my opinion, it’s just around the corner.

Smith acknowledged Connolly’s potential but remained unsure about his next opportunity in Test cricket. Australia now shifts focus to white-ball cricket as they prepare for the Champions Trophy. Their ODI series against Sri Lanka begins on Wednesday at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, marking the next challenge in their packed international calendar.