Steve smith

Smith's outstanding Ashes average of 59.68 (65.08 in England), which included an incredible 774-run series in 2019, has witnessed a decline to 31.66 as the series progressed to Old Trafford. Similarly, Labuschagne's initial average of 45.86 has also dropped significantly to 24.00 during the ongoing Ashes series.

Only two members from Australia's squad - David Warner and Cameron Green -- featured in IPL 2023, while Michael Neser, Steven Smith, Marcus Harris and Marnus Labuschagne played County Championship matches.

However, with the constant support and guidance of Dhoni, Smith successfully led the franchise to the finals of the tournament, narrowly missing out on the title by just one run. Now, as Smith returns to the IPL 2023 as part of the expert panel on Star Sports, he fondly recollects his experiences of working with Dhoni and leading a team with the legendary Indian cricketer as his teammate.

Smith will be making his broadcast debut with Star Sports, adding his invaluable insights and expertise. The 33-year-old cricketer on Monday posted a video on Twitter, saying, "Namaste India. I have got some exciting news for you. I am joining IPL 2023. I am joining an exceptional and passionate team in India."

Starc showed signs of his best while picking up the superb figures of 5/53 in a Player of the Match performance in Australia's 10-wicket romp over India on Sunday and now has eight scalps in total from the opening two matches of the three-game series. The pacer's ability to strike during the Powerplay has been on show in India, with four of Starc's wickets in the pivotal second match of the series coming during a blistering opening spell that put the hosts immediately on back foot.

Paine captained Australia in 23 Tests between early 2018 and 2021, playing 35 Tests overall. He became Australia's 46th Test skipper after Steve Smith stepped down during Australia's 2018 tour of South Africa. However, the wicket-keeper batter stepped down from the captaincy in late 2021 after it was revealed he had sent explicit text messages to a Cricket Tasmania employee in 2017.

Cummins left the India tour after the second Test in Delhi to be at the side of his mother Maria, who died from breast cancer last week while the final match in Ahmedabad was being played. Smith led the Australian side in the last two Tests in his absence. "Pat won't be coming back, he's still taking care of what's happened back home. Our thoughts are with Pat and his family as they go through that grieving process," head coach Andrew McDonald was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"I think they're relying too much on (Steve) Smith and Marnus (Labuschagne) at the moment. Travis Head has had a really good year as well. The whole batting line-up has to stand up," McGrath said. Australia have already conceded the Border-Gavaskar trophy after suffering defeats in the first two Tests in Nagpur and Delhi, respectively, that drew heavy criticism on their approach and shot selection.