AUS vs IND 2020: Pat Cummins Backs Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne to Bounce Back in Remaining Two Tests, Chooses Red Ball Over Pink Ball For Longer Format

Both Smith and Labuschagne have not been among runs with Smith aggregating just 10 across four innings at an abysmal average of 3.33.

The Australian team is not fretting over the lack of form of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne as they are ‘massive run scorers’ and would come good in the remaining two Tests against India, pace spearhead Pat Cummins said on Wednesday. Smith, who was named Test player of the decade this week, has managed just 10 runs in the first two matches, while Labuschagne could not capitalise on the starts with scores of 47, 6, 48 and 28 in the four innings so far. With opener David Warner looking fit to go for the third Test, Australians remain favourites going into the last two Test matches.

Both Smith and Labuschagne have not been among runs with Smith aggregating just 10 across four innings at an abysmal average of 3.33 and Labuschagne doing slightly better but lower than his standards, making 129 in four innings at an average of 32.25 without even a half-century. “I think we all hold such high standards, that is because they do go and seem to score runs just about every time. But the reality is it’s only been two Test matches,” Cummins said at a virtual press conference.

“Smith and Labuschagne are both massive run-scorers. Steve has been a champion for a dozen years or so (there is) absolutely no stress at all. Every player goes through ups and downs and the great ones find a way to get back, so absolutely no stress at all, they will come good, I am sure.”

The 26-year-old Labuschagne has scored 1588 runs at 58.81 in 16 Tests since bursting on to the scene, while Smith hit successive centuries in the ODI series against India last month. “For guys like that – Smith and Marnus, they don’t need to look too far backwards,” Cummins said.

“Marnus absolutely churned them out and dominated last summer. Steve was only a month ago that he scored two back-to-back hundreds in one-dayers, off 70 balls, so no stress, I am sure, they will find a way.”

Australia have struggled to put up a big score on board, managing 191 in the first innings in Adelaide Test, which they won by eight wickets, while scoring 195 and 200 in their eight-wicket loss to India at the MCG.

Cummins said pink-ball Tests are great spectacle but red-ball cricket remains his first love. “I still love Test cricket with the red-ball as well. Pink ball … a spectacle … is great as an event, I’ll have one or two tests maybe a year,” he said.

“But for me I think red ball Test is … that’s not going anywhere, that creates the fairest contest between bat and ball.

“I think we had some great pink ball test matches and Adelaide Oval has done a great job with the pitch they have provided (for it).”

Cummins picked South African AB de Villiers as the toughest batsman that he has bowled to in his career.

“I think I had to say AB De Villiers is probably my toughest batter I have bowled to, especially in 2018 Test series.

“He just looks a class above and you feel like anytime he can switch over in T20 mode and batting with the tail, he can make hundred in five overs, so I’d say him.”

The third Test will be aired on Sony Six, Sony Ten 1 and Sony Ten 3 from January 7 from 4.30 AM onwards.