The first test at Edgbaston brought about the first time since the 2019 Ashes where Marnus Labuschagne has been dismissed for less than 25 in both innings of a Test match.
This, along with Steve Smith's scores of 16 & 6 in the Edgbaston Test have Australia in an improbable position in the Ashes series; leading 1-0 with little-to-no contribution from their two best batsmen.
Australian batting coach, Michael di Venuto, hasn't ignored the batting woes of the star pair despite their recent victory, admitting that it is "a bit strange"
"Sometimes things happen in the game. He nicked two balls he normally leaves quite regularly. Hopefully he bounces back this week," di Venuto told reporters.
Twice Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed by a Stuart Broad out-swinger which nicked through to Johnny Bairstow. This method of dismissal also caught Steve Smith whose weaknesses seem to be targetted by England more than any batsman in the world.
Speaking on Labushagne's dilemma, di Venuto flippantly said if he could "leave a couple of balls on 12th-stump line โ that would be nice".
"He has a few other reasons why he thinks he played at the ball which he thinks he has fixed up. As we saw today, hopefully he is back on track."
Two-hour-long net sessions for both Smith and Labuschagne at Lord's last Friday surprised no one internally or externally, given both players' well-documented craving to improve their craft.
Still, they were the only members of the starting XI to train on the day, perhaps indicating a potential return to form and hopefully, return to the top of the ICC rankings.
Labuschagne trained with a particular focus on improving the positioning of his back foot at the crease, which routinely shifted too far across the wicket in the first test, leaving him unbalanced and playing at balls far outside the off-stump to his demise.
"I hadn't seen what happened in the first Test (before), and it certainly didn't happen the week before at The Oval (in the World Test Championship final against India)," said di Venuto.
"But Marn is his best coach. The same as 'Smudge' (Smith). They are great problem solvers, and that's why they have been such great players for Australia for a period of time.
"We're here to help, and anything we see as well, we'll mention, but those two are their own best coaches."
The second test will begin Wednesday, June 28, 8:00pm AEST from Lord's where Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will both be looking for a big score to kickstart their Ashes campaigns.
