Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the Australian Test squad for the first time, missing out on the series opener against the West Indies in Barbados. Vice-captain Steve Smith will also sit out the opening Test due to a finger injury, prompting the recall of young opener Sam Konstas and reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.
Labuschagne’s omission comes on the back of a prolonged dip in form, with the batter averaging below 30 across the previous ICC World Test Championship cycle. Australia’s loss in last week’s WTC final appears to have pushed selectors to act, with Konstas set to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order. Inglis is expected to slot in at No. 4 in Smith’s absence.
Smith suffered a finger injury during Australia’s Test against South Africa at Lord’s and is expected to return for the second Test in Grenada, provided he clears a fitness assessment.
While the changes have been outlined, Cricket Australia noted that the final XI will be confirmed closer to the match.
“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal, so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that,” said chief selector George Bailey. “We’ve decided to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus. We’re excited to see them continue their promising Test journeys.
Marnus remains a key player: Bailey
“In his only Test to date, Josh was outstanding in Sri Lanka, showing excellent intent and an ability to put pressure on the opposition. Marnus, at his best, remains a key player for us. He knows his recent output hasn’t met expectations – either ours or his – and we’ll continue working with him to help rediscover his form. We value his skills highly and expect him to respond positively to this challenge.”
The first Test between Australia and the West Indies begins on Thursday, 25 June, at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
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