Australia drop Marnus Labuschagne for first Test against West Indies in Bridgetown

Australia have left out Marnus Labuschagne for the first Test of their three-match series against the West Indies, confirmed chief selector George Bailey. The team will also be without Steve Smith, who is recovering from a finger injury sustained during the World Test Championship final defeat to South Africa.

Labuschagne, who opened in that match, scored just 17 and 22 on a tough Lord’s pitch. His last Test century came in July 2023 against England in Manchester, and since then, he has averaged only 24.7 with the bat across 16 matches.

“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team.

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“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.” Bailey said

Meanwhle, Steve Smith injured his finger while fielding during the World Test Championship Final against South Africa. Australia had to face defeat in the Final as South Africa won an ICC title after 27 years.

“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.

Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas will be seen in the playing XI for the opening match. The match in Bridgetown will start on Wednesday.