Marnus Labuschagne plays down replacing Steve Smith in Australia team

NICK HOWSON AT HEADINGLEY: Despite hitting three successive half-centuries since being parachuted into the team, the 25-year-old is not putting himself under any extra pressure

Marnus Labuschagne is guarding himself against the pressure of having to replace Steve Smith in the Australia batting line-up.

The 25-year-old became Test cricket's first concussion substitute after replacing Smith in the second Test at Lord's.

And after the Baggy Green's talismanic batsman was ruled out of the third Test at Headingley Labuschagne kept his place.

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Three straight half-centuries including an 80 as Australia set England an unlikely 359 to win has ensured that decision has paid dividends.

"It is going to be pretty tough for anyone to fill Steve Smith's shoes," the South African said. "From a personal perspective, I am just trying to focus on my own game.

"I don't listen to the outside noises much. Just sticking to your processes, your game and the way you play and we'll go from there."

Unlike many of his teammates and opponents who played in the World Cup, Labuschagne has been focusing purely on the series in recent months.

He played 10 County Championship matches for Glamorgan, scoring 1114 runs to force his way into Australia's plans for the Ashes, an experience he says has underpinned his success since his ascent into the team.

^{Steve Smith netted for the first time on Saturday after being floored at Lord's}

"Playing for Glamorgan helped a lot," Labuschagne added. "Playing 10 first-class games in less than two months was very helpful. 

"Playing against the swinging ball, in different conditions and learning how to put big runs on the board helped me and helped build my confidence as well.

"Transitioning into this I didn't play other formats leading up to this so my focus was really in red-bat cricket so the lead-up and preparation was really good."