Marnus Labuschagne is confident that veteran Australia batsman Steve Smith will do well with the bat for the remaining three Ashes Tests. He also stated that it was ‘exciting’ to see Smith’s stunning effort in ‘tricky conditions.’
Smith, who was the stand-in captain for the Adelaide Test in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, impressed everyone with his brilliant 93-run knock in the first innings despite not having played Test cricket for nearly a year as well.
Applauding Steve Smith, Labuschagne was quoted as saying by The Sporting News:
“He hasn’t played Test cricket for a year and it’s taken two innings, he batted beautifully in that innings in some very tricky conditions, it was nipping around, so I think it’s very exciting to see. I think it’s very exciting for the rest of the series because I think if he gets in he’s gonna make some really big scores in the next three Tests.”
However, Australia managed to intact their record in pink-ball Tests as they registered a comprehensive 275-run victory over England in the day-night fixture at Adelaide as well. And, with this win, they have now taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match Ashes Test series.
Didn’t take our foot off the paddle – Marnus Labuschange
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschange was also in good form with the bat in the second Ashes Test. The youngster smashed his maiden Ashes hundred in the first innings and then a fine half-century in the second as well.
Speaking about his performances in the post-match presentation, he said: “We played well in this Test match and didn’t take our foot off the paddle. Getting my first Ashes ton was terrific and I was disappointed that I didn’t make it a big one, in spite of being given a few chances.”
The third Ashes Test will begin at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.
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