Australia axe Marnus Labuschagne for West Indies Test series

Kieran Francis

Australia axe Marnus Labuschagne for West Indies Test series image

Australia has made the surprise decision to drop Marnus Labuschagne from the starting XI for the first Test against West Indies.

Along with Steve Smith, who will be missing with a finger injury, Australia will deploy a fresh batting line-up featuring opener Sam Konstas and reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.

While Smith has been ruled out of the first Test - which commences in Bridgetown on June 26 - he could be fit the second Test in early July, according to chief selector George Bailey.

Bailey also underlined the reasons for Labuschagne's omission, explaining it was for the 30-year-old's lack of form.

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“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that,” Bailey said in a statement.

“We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus. We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling Test careers.

“In his only opportunity in Test cricket to date, Josh was outstanding in Sri Lanka, showing great intent and ability to put pressure on the opposition.

“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.

“We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover. We continue to value his skill and expect him to work through the challenge positively.”

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.