Marnus Labuschagne has been axed from Australia’s squad for their upcoming four-Test series against New Zealand, paying the price for a long run of poor form.
The No 3, who has played 68 Tests, went into Australia’s recent tour of South Africa under pressure and failed to fire across the three Tests.
“At this stage we won’t be considering Marn for selection for certainly that first Test, but for the New Zealand series,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
“There’s been a lot of speculation around his place in the team.
“So I think this gives him a little bit of space and clears up a bit of conjecture as we work through the next round of (Sheffield) Shield cricket.”
A tough tour of South Africa
Labuschagne, who at one stage was the world’s top-ranked batter, had a tortured tour of South Africa, where his highest score was 39.
The 32-year-old has not scored a century since the 2023 Ashes series against England. Bailey, however, left the door open for a recall if he regains his form in the domestic red-ball competition.
“It’s still possible, absolutely,” Bailey said.
“And I think we all know how good and how effective Marnus can be at his best. But that performance hasn’t been there.
“But I don’t think we’ve ever ruled anyone out permanently … and that’s no different in this case.”
What comes next
The first Test against New Zealand starts on December 9 in Perth. The squad will be named after the next round of Shield action, which begins on Wednesday.
With Labuschagne out of the picture, the question now is who will replace him. Steve Smith is tipped to move up from No 4 to No 3.