‘He wants that motivation’ - Marnus Labuschagne endorses Steven Smith to replace David Warner as next Test opener

David Warner’s retirement has been the most talked about incident in the ongoing Australian summer. Another thing that has kept the team management and the former cricketers busy is to analyse the player who can replace the southpaw in the Test squad. Both skipper Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDoland endorsed that anyone can be sent to open, as they are not just looking for a specialised opener.

Ahead of the third Test against Pakistan in Sydney, Steve Smith complicated the equation by expressing his desire to take up the role. As per media reports, Cameron Green was in contest with other specialised openers like Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris, but as things stand, Smith too has made a case for himself.

Marnus Labuchagne believes that a new role will give Smith some motivation as the higher he bats, the better average he has. The 29-year-old believes that the Sydney-born cricketer would do well in that position, as he isn’t someone who can wait for his batting.

“He averages 58 at five, 61 at four and 67 at three, so it seems like the higher he goes the more he averages. I’ve got no doubt if that’s the way we went, he would do very well. He really wants it, he wants that motivation… waiting to bat is not his forte, he wants to get out there straight away,” Labuschagne told SEN Cricket.

I’m happy to do what the team needs: Labuschagne

Labuschagne is happy to perform in whatever role the team assigns him but prefers No.3 , as it offers variety. He once again reiterated that the team has enough openers but Smith seems to be the favorite to replace Warner.

“I’m happy to do what the team needs, but I do love batting at three, I love the variety of the role. At the moment it could be anyone… I’ve seen the media throwing around Travis Head, throwing around me, obviously the three openers outside of the squad, Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris. Smudge (Steve Smith) seems like the lead frontrunner, the one that really wants it,” Labuschagne said.