21 hours Ago
Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis will come in for the duo. Konstas, who debuted in the Boxing Day Test against India, is expected to bat at the top of the order, while Inglis – who last February scored a century on Test debut for Sri Lanka – will take his place in the middle order, although exact positions have yet to be determined.
Form slump costs Labuschagne a place.
Labuschagne’s axing has come after an extended period of poor form. His average dipped to 30.93 in 2024, having been 34.91 in 2023. This year, over four Tests, the 30-year-old has averaged a bit over 16 runs an innings, and his innings of 17 and 22 in the WTC Final have effectively guaranteed his exit.
“Marnus is a world-class player and we expect to see him playing to his full potential, he is being given a short break to freshen up and he will be ready to go for the World Cup,” said selection chair George Bailey, who expressed that they still believe in him and will support him through his challenge.
Smith Travels But Misses First Test
While Smith has not required surgery, doctors recommended he wear a splint for eight weeks. The Northern Districts left-arm bowler has travelled with the team to the West Indies but is out of the first Test. He could come back as early as the second Test beginning on July 3, subject to his recovery and his ability to bat with the splint.
Steve needs to give the wound more time to repair,'' Bailey said. It’s basically a week and then we’ll reevaluate." Konstas and Inglis would have a chance to develop their "fledgling Test careers" during this series, he said.
