Veteran batter Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia’s squad for the first Test of the three-match series against the West Indies, which begins on June 25. In another setback, star batter Steve Smith will also miss the series opener due to injury. Josh Inglis and rising talent Sam Konstas have been named as replacements in the playing XI for the opening Test in Barbados.
Smith suffered a finger injury during the 2025 World Test Championship final against South Africa. He picked up the injury shortly after dropping a key catch of Temba Bavuma and was forced to leave the field for treatment. Labuschagne’s omission comes after a prolonged dip in form.
He managed scores of just 17 and 22 in the WTC final, continuing a disappointing run that stretches back to 2023, during which he has averaged just 31 with only one century in 26 innings. Speaking to the ICC, Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey provided an update on Smith’s condition.
“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that.”
“He knows his form hasn’t met expectations”– George Bailey on Labuschagne
George Bailey stated that the team will keep supporting Marnus Labuschagne as he works towards a Test comeback. The right-hander has been a key part of Australia’s strong Test performances in recent years, including their 2023 WTC win.
“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,” said Bailey (via the aforementioned source).
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