SYDNEY: Australia have dropped Marnus Labuschagne from the squad for the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados, following a prolonged slump in form, while star batter Steve Smith will miss the match due to injury.
Labuschagne, who has struggled to replicate his early brilliance, managed just 17 and 22 in the recent World Test Championship final defeat to South Africa at Lord’s. His last Test century came nearly two years ago in July 2023, and he has averaged only 24.7 over 16 matches since.
Chair of selectors George Bailey said Labuschagne still had a future with the side but needed to rebuild his form. “Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” Bailey said. “We continue to value his skill and expect him to work through the challenge positively.”
In Smith’s absence—ruled out due to a finger injury sustained while fielding at Lord’s—teenage sensation Sam Konstas and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis have been named in the starting XI. Smith will be reassessed after a week’s rest.
Nineteen-year-old Konstas, who burst onto the scene with a 60-run blitz on debut against India in December, earns his third Test cap. Though his follow-up performances were modest, selectors remain optimistic about his potential.
Inglis also returns for his third Test, having scored a century on debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year. Final team composition and batting order are expected to be confirmed ahead of the series opener on Wednesday.
