Amidst all the hype and buzz surrounding Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, Australia has recently issued a warning following the duo’s elusive performances on the field. Head coach Andrew McDonald reiterated how rare it is for both Labuschagne and Smith to have a off day in the match, but he is not worried.
It’s very rare that Marn and Smudge miss out in the same Test match, said McDonald. It’s an appetising thought. They will no doubt crave more net sessions. They’re disappointed they missed out in this game, but I think any time the Australian cricket team can win without those two performing at a high level is always a positive. We’ve got some areas we can improve, there’s some growth within the team and there’s two obvious ones.
McDonald’s statement comes after the recent series victory over Sri Lanka, wherein Labuschagne and Smith struggled to make an impact. That being said, the duo’s off-day performance did not deter Australia from winning the match and securing the series.
Despite McDonald’s confidence, there is no denying the potential of Labuschagne and Smith on the field. The pair’s contribution to Australia’s success has been well-documented, and they remain extremely valuable players for the team moving forward.
With Australia’s next series set to take place in India, the pressure will once again be on Labuschagne and Smith to perform. But, as McDonald has highlighted, there is growth and room for improvement within the team. With the right preparation and training, the duo can come back stronger and lead Australia to further victories.