Marnus Labuschagne backs ‘excited’ Smith to deliver as Test opener

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. (Photo Source: TREVOR COLLENS/AFP via Getty Images)

Right after the third Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Marnus Labuschagne backed Steven Smith to open alongside Usman Khawaja in Test cricket. David Warner’s retirement from the longest format has opened up a spot, for which many cricketers are now fighting to earn. Initially, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris or Matt Renshaw were expected to replace Warner in the playing XI, but recently, Cameron Green and Steve Smith joined the race as well.

Ahead of the upcoming Test series against West Indies, Labuschagne once again voiced his opinion and backed Smith to do a good job as an opener. He added that Green can bat at number four, as he has done a good job at that position for Western Australia.

“If Steve does get the nod (to open), I have no doubt that he will do a good job. Cameron Green’s record at No. 4 for Western Australia is amazing. Obviously, that is not a direct correlation to Test cricket, but you can be pretty confident that over a period of time he is going to be a very good player in that position,” Labuschagne was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“Smith is excited for a new challenge. If that motivates him and gets the cricket world Steven Smith for another two or three years, I think that is a massive win. It looks like the perfect scenario. When he was captain I know he liked a little more time between being in the field and going out there, but he is ready to get out there from the start now,” the 29-year-old said.

Labuschagne backed Green at number four

Labuschagne believes that Green’s versatility will be perfect for Australia at number four. He lauded the all-rounder’s temperament and stated that the 24-year-old has got sound technique and a great defence.

“He has got a really nice even temperament, a great ability to absorb pressure, is a very good decision-maker, has got a sound technique and a great defence. I think that is the versatility you need at No. 4, someone that can play different scenarios and know when to push the button and when to hold back,” Labuschagne said.