🏏 Steve Smith’s Bold Praise: “Marnus Told Me He’ll Be Back!” The Labuschagne Redemption Story Before Ashes 2025
🌟 A Promise Turned Into Performance
Cricket is full of stories about comebacks — but few are as inspiring as Marnus Labuschagne’s return to form ahead of the 2025 Ashes. After being dropped from the Test squad earlier this year due to a prolonged slump, Labuschagne didn’t sulk — he went back to domestic cricket and produced a dream summer.
And who better to tell the tale than Steve Smith, one of Australia’s greatest modern-day batsmen. Smith revealed how Marnus had confidently told him at the start of the season, “I’ll be back in that Test team.”
Now, after four centuries in just six innings in the Sheffield Shield, the right-hander is doing exactly what he promised — forcing his way back into contention for the Ashes opener in Perth this November.
🏆 The Background: From Being Dropped to Dominating
For Labuschagne, being dropped from the Test squad against the West Indies earlier this year was a wake-up call. Once the golden boy of Australia’s batting lineup, his form had dipped alarmingly — marked by loose strokes, technical lapses, and poor shot selection under pressure.
But true champions don’t fade easily.
Instead of retreating, Marnus went back to the grind — the Sheffield Shield — and rediscovered what made him special: patience, focus, and hunger.
In just a few weeks, he piled up four centuries in six innings, sending a clear message to selectors: Marnus is back — and hungrier than ever.
💬 Steve Smith’s Words: Pride and Respect
Steve Smith’s admiration for Marnus was evident when he said:
“He told me at the start of the summer, ‘I’ll be in that Test team, come the first Test.’ He’s backed up his words.”
Smith, who knows the mental battle of form and failure better than anyone, praised Labuschagne’s determination.
“I sent him a message a couple of days ago, saying how proud I was of him. He’s gone back, worked hard, and got four hundreds in six hits. That’s a big statement.”
In elite cricket, words mean little without action — but Marnus has done both, combining confidence with consistency.
💪 The Power of Belief: Marnus’ Mental Strength
What separates top players from the rest is not just technique — it’s belief.
When Marnus told Smith he’d return to the Test side, it wasn’t arrogance — it was conviction. Every cricketer faces dips in form, but those who bounce back do so because they never lose faith in their ability.
Labuschagne’s comeback shows the importance of self-awareness and mental resilience. He identified flaws, adjusted his game, and most importantly, stayed positive. That mindset is what’s earned him praise from Smith and respect across the dressing room.
🧩 The Sheffield Shield Masterclass: Four Tons, Six Innings
Labuschagne’s Shield campaign has been nothing short of remarkable.
He’s been scoring runs for fun — centuries that showcase discipline and determination.
Each innings has been a statement of intent:
- Solid starts turned into hundreds
- Controlled aggression under pressure
- Unshakeable focus, batting long sessions with the patience that once made him the No.3 rock of Australia
Those runs weren’t just numbers — they were proof that Marnus had fixed the flaws that cost him his Test spot.
🎯 Marnus’ Technical Reset
Cricket fans noticed that Marnus had become slightly fidgety at the crease over the past year — over-analyzing, moving too much, and losing balance.
But this summer, he simplified everything:
- Steadier head position
- More compact backlift
- Sharper judgment outside off stump
- Rebuilt confidence against spin and swing
The result? He looks more like the Marnus of 2019–2021 — calm, methodical, and mentally fierce.
🏏 The Selection Dilemma: Who Misses Out?
If Labuschagne returns to the squad, selectors face a tough decision. His old No.3 slot is now occupied by Cameron Green, who’s flourished there.
But Marnus isn’t rigid. He’s already said he’d be happy to open the innings if it means returning to the Test setup. That flexibility might prove crucial — especially with Australia’s top order still searching for the perfect balance.
Imagine this possible top order:
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Cameron Green
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
That lineup screams stability and firepower, with Marnus anchoring early phases and freeing up Smith and Head to attack later.
💬 Marnus’ Willingness to Adapt
Labuschagne’s readiness to open the innings is a reflection of his team-first attitude.
He understands that cricket isn’t about ego — it’s about fitting into the puzzle that gives the team the best chance to win.
“If I have to open to get back into the side, I’ll do it,” Marnus has reportedly said.
This flexibility mirrors what greats like Dravid and Smith himself once did — taking any role that helps the team succeed.
🔥 Steve Smith: The Veteran Recharged for the Ashes
While Marnus was rediscovering form, Steve Smith was rediscovering balance.
After years of relentless cricket, Smith has learned to manage his mental energy. He revealed that he hasn’t picked up a bat since late August — a break designed to keep him mentally sharp for the Ashes.
“I certainly get drained mentally quicker than I used to. Ten years ago, I wanted to play every game. Now, Test cricket has taken huge priority,” Smith said.
His approach isn’t about laziness — it’s about longevity and peak performance.
Smith knows that if he enters the Ashes series refreshed, he’s far more dangerous than when fatigued.
🧠 Smith’s Mental Recalibration
The 34-year-old legend has redefined his preparation:
- Fewer net sessions
- More mental rest
- Focused, purposeful practice instead of endless repetition
“It takes me two hits to get sorted now,” he explained. “I want to stay mentally fresh. I don’t need to hit as many balls as before.”
That statement reflects wisdom earned through experience — understanding that elite cricket is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one.
⚡ Leadership Transition: Smith Poised to Step Up
With Pat Cummins likely to miss the start of the Ashes due to injury, Smith is expected to lead Australia once again — a role he knows well.
His leadership, combined with a rejuvenated mindset, could be key in helping younger players like Green and Labuschagne settle into their roles.
Smith’s calm authority and technical mastery make him the perfect leader for the high-pressure Ashes arena.
🇦🇺 The Ashes 2025: Australia’s Early Advantage
The first Test begins on November 21 in Perth, traditionally a venue that suits Australian fast bowlers.
However, batting will be the real focus — especially with questions around form, combinations, and roles.
If Marnus slots back in, his ability to bat long on lively pitches could give Australia the early edge in the five-match series.
💭 Marnus & Smith: A Bond Beyond Batting
Smith and Labuschagne share one of the most fascinating player relationships in modern cricket.
Marnus has often called Smith his mentor, and the two are known for obsessing over batting techniques, match simulations, and fine details.
Their connection is built on shared perfectionism — both spend hours studying footwork, trigger movements, and game psychology.
So, when Smith says he’s proud of Marnus, it’s not just teammate appreciation — it’s a teacher’s pride in a student who has mastered his comeback.
📊 What This Means for Australian Cricket
Labuschagne’s resurgence and Smith’s renewed clarity represent two sides of the same coin — Australia’s batting revival.
For months, the team relied heavily on Smith and Head for consistency. Now, with Marnus finding his rhythm and Green maturing, the top order suddenly looks formidable again.
That’s crucial ahead of the Ashes — the most emotionally charged series in cricket.
🧩 Balancing the Squad: Experience + Youth
Australia’s selection panel faces an exciting challenge — how to blend experience with new energy.
Here’s the possible ideal XI for the Perth Test:
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Cameron Green
- Steve Smith (c)
- Travis Head
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Mitchell Marsh
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
- Scott Boland
That combination blends stability, skill, and explosiveness — with Labuschagne’s inclusion bringing both experience and hunger back into the fold.
🔥 Why the Ashes Matter So Much
The Ashes aren’t just another Test series — they’re a battle for pride and supremacy.
For players like Labuschagne and Smith, performing here defines careers. Every run, every catch, every session becomes a legacy moment.
Marnus’ comeback story adds emotional weight to this series. From being dropped to potentially walking out in the baggy green again, it’s a script made for cricket romantics.
🧘♂️ The Evolution of Modern Cricketers: Mental Freshness > Endless Practice
Both Smith and Labuschagne symbolize a changing era in cricket training philosophy.
Gone are the days of hitting balls endlessly for hours. Today’s elite cricketers focus on mental clarity, recovery, and purpose-driven practice.
Smith’s reduced net sessions and Marnus’ controlled shot-making show how top players now train smarter — not just harder.
💬 Steve Smith on Mental Fatigue and Focus
“I know that when I play a lot at the start, by the end of the summer I’m mentally cooked. I want to produce my best performances at the right time,” Smith said.
That candid honesty shows the maturity of a seasoned pro who’s learned to balance intensity with rest.
Cricket is a thinking sport — and mental fatigue often kills performance before physical tiredness does.
📅 Timeline: From Drop to Dominance
- Early 2025: Marnus dropped after poor West Indies series.
- Mid 2025: Refocuses in Sheffield Shield.
- Late 2025 (October): Hits four hundreds in six innings.
- November 2025: Poised for Test recall ahead of the Ashes.
It’s the kind of comeback arc that inspires younger cricketers — showing that form is temporary, but class and hard work always rise again.
🏏 The Bigger Picture: Australia’s Test Fortunes
Australia’s Test side is entering a new golden window. With Smith still at his peak, Head in prime form, and Labuschagne rediscovering rhythm, the batting depth looks stronger than it has in years.
If they start well in Perth, this Ashes could set the tone for another dominant home summer.
🧩 Key Takeaways
- Marnus Labuschagne has made a powerful statement with four Shield centuries.
- Steve Smith’s endorsement adds weight to his comeback narrative.
- Australia’s batting order looks flexible and stronger with Marnus back.
- Smith’s focus on mental freshness is setting a new professional standard.
- The Ashes opener in Perth could mark Marnus’ redemption moment.
🏁 Conclusion: A Summer of Redemption and Renewal
Every cricket era is defined by stories of grit and redemption. For Australia, the 2025 summer might be remembered as the season when Marnus Labuschagne rose again — backed by belief, runs, and the faith of a legend like Steve Smith.
Smith’s admiration says it all — he sees in Marnus the same hunger that once drove his own rise.
As the Ashes loom, fans can’t wait to see these two modern masters — mentor and mentee — walk out together again, ready to dominate the biggest stage of all.