WI vs AUS 1st Test - Labuschagne dropped, Smith out with injury

Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the Australian squad for the first Test against the West Indies, scheduled to begin on June 25 in Barbados. Cricket Australia confirmed the decision on Friday, June 20. Adding to Australia's challenges, Steve Smith will also miss the match due to a finger dislocation sustained during the World Test Championship Final at Lord's. Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis are set to replace the experienced duo in the playing XI.

Labuschagne's recent Test performances have been below par. His average in 2023 was a modest 34.91, which further declined to 30.93 in 2024. In the four Tests he has played this year, the 30-year-old has averaged just over 16. His poor showing in the WTC Final, where he scored 17 and 22 as an opener, proved to be the final straw.

"Marnus, at his best, is a really important member of this team. He understands his output hasn't been at the level we, or he, expects," said Selection chair George Bailey in a statement. "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."

Smith, who avoided surgery, has traveled with the squad to the West Indies but is advised to wear a splint for eight weeks. There is a possibility he might play the second Test, which starts on July 3, depending on how the splint affects his batting.

Konstas, who made a strong impression on his debut in the Boxing Day Test against India last year, is likely to open the innings. Inglis, who also shone in his first Test earlier this year by scoring a century in Sri Lanka, will fill the middle-order position left vacant by Smith. However, Australia has not yet confirmed the specific batting order.

"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 stated. "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."