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Steven Smith shared his thoughts about his second-innings lbw as he left Optus Stadium. The previous evening, Marnus Labuschagne had to go to the hospital to have his hand examined after a tough blow on a contentious surface. Neither incident had a significant impact on Australia’s performance as they won by 360 runs and Labuschagne’s hand was not injured, although he admitted feeling nervous for a while. However, for two of Australia’s best-ever players, it continued a frustrating year in 2023 where they struggled to reach their previous high standards.
In terms of individual performance, Smith is averaging 42.65 for the year with three centuries and Labuschagne’s figure is 35.04 with a match-saving hundred at Old Trafford, which is lower than what they have been able to achieve in the past. Australia’s Test batting returns for the year are set to finish around mid-table among their rivals, with Usman Khawaja leading the way followed by Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh. Overall, Australia’s Test batting returns for the year are set to only finish around mid-table among their rivals.
Smith and Labuschagne will be crucial for Australia in the upcoming year or so as a transition phase begins. The selectors will hope that Smith and Khawaja do not end too close together. Both Smith and Labuschagne have struggled with their performance this year, but there is hope that they will find a way to finish the year on a personal high.
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