Overview
- Marnus Labuschagne has compiled four centuries in his last five Sheffield Shield appearances after a year-long dip in form.
- Steven Smith said Labuschagne told him, "I'll be in that Test team come the first Test," and praised him for backing up the claim.
- Smith credited a mindset shift—less technical obsession, more watching the ball and reacting—as key to the turnaround.
- Selectors have not yet named Australia’s Ashes squad, with the first Test scheduled for November 21 at Perth Stadium.
- Reports note Pat Cummins’ back recovery leaves his availability uncertain, raising possible leadership and selection implications with Smith mentioned as a contender.