Steve Smith backs Labuschagne amid selection doubts for WTC final
What's the story
Australian cricket team's star batsman Steve Smith has come out in support of Marnus Labuschagne.
This comes as Labuschagne faces uncertainty over his place in the squad for the upcoming World Test Championship final.
He managed scores worth 4, 26*, and 20 in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka.
Despite his own triumphant return to form, Smith empathized with Labuschagne's current struggles to maintain his position.
Remarkable comeback
Smith's remarkable comeback in Test cricket
Smith has made a sensational return to Test cricket, scoring four centuries in his last eight innings.
He scored 101 in Brisbane, 104 in Melbourne and 141 and 131 in Galle.
His performances have highlighted his return to the top and earned him the Player of the Series award against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Performance insights
Smith's perspective on form and performance
Smith shared his thoughts on form and performance, saying even when he wasn't scoring as expected, he felt he was batting well.
He stressed on the role of luck in turning things around quickly.
Smith also stressed on the importance of gaining confidence from one good score, which can give you a better understanding of the bowlers you are facing.
Supportive stance
Labuschagne's performance and Smith's support
Notably, Labuschagne, who once occupied the No.1 spot in men's Test batting rankings, has been out of touch.
Since the start of Australia's 2022-23 series against South Africa, he has scored only 1,355 Test runs at an average of 30.79, with only one century to his name.
Despite the struggles, Smith backed Labuschagne after Australia's nine-wicket win in Galle on Sunday.