Cricket-Australia's Smith backs born-again Labuschagne to deliver in World Cup

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Ashes - First Test - England v Australia - Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, Britain - June 19, 2023 Australia's Steve Smith before the start of the day's play Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/File Photo

CHENNAI (Reuters) - Australia's Steve Smith believes team mate Marnus Labuschagne has regained his 50-overs batting rhythm just in time for the World Cup and expects the 29-year-old to nail down his place in the top-four.

Labuschagne was left out of Australia's provisional squad but struck rich form in South Africa and India to force his way into the 15-member squad.