Marnus Labuschagne has continued to grow in stature in test cricket. Rivalling Smith In fact, he is a bigger thorn in the flesh of opposition bowling attacks right now than even Steve Smith which is a compliment in itself. Smith himself averages in excess of 60 in tests but Marnus Labuschagne has even overtaken his idol. Labuschagne has grown up idolising former Australian captain Steve Smith and that is quite evident in his mannerisms. The way he leaves the ball and even a few of his idiosyncratic techniques. In fact, it was in the place of Steve Smith that Marnus Labuschagne made his test debut after Smith was concussed, following a blow on the head off a Jofra Archer bouncer. Labuschagne has now scored over 2,000 runs from just 20 test matches and is averaging over 62. Taking the accolades He was awarded the player of the match in the 2nd test match of Ashes 2021-22. The batter made 103 runs in the first inning to basically set up an Australian victory. He backed it up with another crucial half century in the second innings, following a brilliant knock of 74 off 117 deliveries at the Gabba. "We really stuck it out there, and Davey batted very well and put the pressure on the bowlers," Labuschagne said after winning the player of the match in the 2nd test match. "I tried to absorb the pressure and if you have a combination like that out there, it hands us the advantage. I do a bit of self-talk, especially when I congratulated myself on playing the bouncer by Stokes, as opposed to the one before that I played poorly. We played well this Test match and didn't take our foot off the peddle." First Ashes ton "Getting my first Ashes ton was terrific and I was disappointed that I didn't make it a big one despite a few chances. I have played with Neser and played with Jhye in Shield cricket only weeks ago, and they have a unique set of skills - like Neser hits the stumps, for instance. It was great to have two bowlers out and still be able to dominate this Test match." 103 was the first Ashes ton for Labuschagne who has already scored six centuries and will go on to make many more if he continues to bat in the manner that he is currently doing.