Australia’s test cricket team is adjusting as Pat Cummins recovers from injury. Stand-in captain Steve Smith is guiding younger players, while Marnus Labuschagne impresses in his bid to reclaim a spot in the squad ahead of upcoming matches.

Council of the City of Sydney

Australia's test cricket team is undergoing adjustments as Pat Cummins remains sidelined during his recovery, with Steve Smith stepping in as stand-in captain. Smith has emphasized the importance of authenticity and self-discovery for young players, offering support to teammates such as Sam Constance and expressing pride in Marnus Labuschagne's determination to return to the test team. 

Labuschagne, who was previously dropped, has been training with the ODI side indoors due to persistent rain. Meanwhile, Mitch Marsh has downplayed his chances of a test recall despite strong performances, and Scott Boland is prepared to fill in for Cummins if necessary. The team is hopeful that weather conditions will improve for upcoming matches.

Australia's test squad adapts as Cummins recovers

With Pat Cummins yet to bowl a ball in his recovery, Australia's stand-in test captain is channelling Frank Sinatra. The important thing is doing it my way. I think when I get out on the field I've got a certain style and the way I like to do things and I need to be authentic. That's also the advice he's sharing with Sam Constance as he looks to get back up to speed. I think at times you've got to let these young players figure it out for themselves and find the way that they want to play. My door's always open, my phone's always on so whenever he wants to chat batting. Time can change quickly as Marnus Labershain has proved. I sent him a message a couple of days ago saying how proud I was of him. He's obviously got dropped from the team and he said to me at the start of the summer, he goes, I'll be in that test team come the first test and he's backed up his words. Smith's still a believer the Queenslander could climb to the top of the order if needed for the Ashes. Labershain and the ODI side trained indoors in Adelaide as rain follows them around the country. Yeah, it's a bit frustrating. Hopefully this rain brushes away but yeah, a bit of a strange game. It was hard to sort of gauge where the teams are at. The weather is expected to clear by Thursday. Mitch Marsh was on fire in Perth against India despite dismissing a Red Bull recall saying he'll be six beers deep on day one of the first test. Teammates aren't so sure. Yeah, he's one of those informed batters in the country so I know he's been pretty vocal in saying he's not up for selection. Scott Boland is though, the big quick ready to take Captain Cummins' spot for the first test and beyond if needed. Oh, I should be able to get through it. There's quite long breaks in between the first three tests so I think the only time you'll probably really get tested is between test four and five. Lucas Ronaldo, 10 News.

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