In a bold selection move, Australia have dropped Marnus Labuschagne from their playing XI for the first Test against West Indies, marking the first time in six years the prolific batter has been omitted from the Test side. The decision follows a prolonged dip in form, with Labuschagne averaging just 24.7 across 16 Tests since his last century in July 2023.
📉 Form Slump Prompts Omission
Labuschagne’s struggles were evident in the recent World Test Championship (WTC) final, where he managed scores of 17 and 22 as Australia fell to South Africa. His Test average has plummeted from 60 to below 47 since December 2022.
“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team. He understands his output hasn’t been at the level we, or he, expects,” said George Bailey, Australia’s chairman of selectors.
🧢 Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis Step In
- Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old opener who impressed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, replaces Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis comes in for Steve Smith, who is sidelined with a finger injury sustained during the WTC final
Both Konstas and Inglis will be playing their third Test matches, with Inglis having scored a century on debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year.
🗓️ Series Schedule
- 1st Test: June 25–29, Kensington Oval, Barbados
- 2nd Test: July 3–7, Grenada
- 3rd Test: July 12–16, Jamaica
🧠 What’s Next for Labuschagne?
Despite the setback, selectors remain optimistic about Labuschagne’s return.
“We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover,” Bailey added.
Stay tuned for live updates from the Caribbean.
