Acting captain Steve Smith has clarified that Marnus Labuschagne’s exclusion from Australia’s second ODI against Sri Lanka is not a reflection of his current form. Despite having a disappointing performance in the first ODI, where he scored only 15 runs, Labuschagne was one of five players changed for the match that Australia lost by 174 runs.
Smith stated the team’s strategy involved rotating players to allow everyone a chance to perform. “We have a strong squad, and Marnus has handled pressure well in the past,” he remarked, indicating Labuschagne’s potential future contributions in the upcoming matches—specifically the one-day match in Pakistan.
Although Labuschagne has not scored a Test century in 28 innings and the team has faced two heavy ODI defeats, Smith remains optimistic and not panicked, especially with the Champions Trophy approaching. He emphasised the importance of adapting to conditions and regaining their rhythm after a break from one-day cricket.
Ultimately, Smith acknowledged Sri Lanka’s superior performance while expressing hope that the team can learn from these experiences and perform well in the upcoming tournament in Pakistan, which starts on 19 February.