Labuschagne Weighs in on Australia's Search

Marnus Labuschagne believes the competition for Australia's vacant Test opening spot is wide open but feels it’s only right that Steven Smith is no longer part of the conversation, as Smith returns to his familiar No. 4 position for the upcoming India series.

Smith recently reflected on his brief experiment as an opener, explaining that Usman Khawaja and Labuschagne were not fond of having him ahead of them in the batting order. He humorously remarked, "They hated me up top... They call it security behind them – you'd have to ask them about it. They didn't like it at all, and I get that."

Labuschagne expressed that Smith returning to his long-established position in the middle order is a logical move. "It's not complicated," he explained. "One of Australia’s best players is going back to the spot where he’s had the most success. With Cameron Green out for the summer and no one else set for No. 4, it makes perfect sense to put Smith back there."

He also highlighted Smith’s adaptability and game awareness, particularly at No. 4. "Smith has always excelled at reading match situations and adjusting to what the team needs," Labuschagne said. "In that position, you need to manage spin, know when to push forward, when to hold back, and how to get through difficult periods – that’s always been his strength."

On a lighter note, Labuschagne shared his amusement when reading that David Warner had jokingly offered to return from retirement to fill the opening spot if needed. "I’m not sure if he was being serious or just having a bit of fun. It’s hard to tell with him sometimes," he laughed.

Warner also suggested that Labuschagne could potentially move up the order, an idea Labuschagne addressed directly. "I’ll bat wherever the team needs me, but I think I’ve done well enough at No. 3," he said. "If the selectors think I should move, I’ll do it, but for now, it seems they’re focusing on finding an opener. It’s anyone’s guess who that will be."

Among the contenders for the opener role are New South Wales teenager Sam Konstas, Victorian opener Marcus Harris, and Western Australia's Cameron Bancroft, who has struggled with form recently. All three will feature for Australia A in their upcoming matches against India A next week.