David Warner announced his retirement from Test cricket after leading Australia to win the third and final test against Pakistan played at SCG on the fourth day on 6th January 2024. Australia is slated to play two Test match series against West Indies from 17th January 2024. The first Test match will be played at Adelaide Oval while the second Test match will be a day-night encounter at Gabba, Brisbane from 25th January 2024.
Marnus Labuschagne has backed Steve Smith to be the next test opener for the West Indies Test series. While there are several names including Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris in the fray, Labuschagne believes that Smith is suited for the job. He is eager to come out and bat with solid defensive technique.
After winning the final test match against Pakistan by 8 wickets, Marnus Labuschagne said “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 wants it, he wants that motivation… waiting to bat is not his forte, he wants to get out there straight away.”
Marnus Labuschagne looked impressive in both innings of the 3rd Test match against Pakistan. He scored 60 in the first innings dismissed by Salman Agha with a beauty. Chasing down 130 runs in the 2nd innings, Marnus was dropped by Shan Masood and remained unbeaten on 62 helping Australia register 8 wicket win to whitewash Pakistan 3-0.
“I’m happy to do what the team needs, but I do love batting at three, I love the variety of the role. Now 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 wants it.”
The interesting thing will be that if Steve Smith opens the innings in the test series against West Indies, it will be there for this series or long-term purpose.
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