Labuschagne axed for Test series against New Zealand
Australian No.3 Marnus Labuschagne has been axed for next month’s first Test against New Zealand, with selectors ruling him out of contention for the entire four-match series.
Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey confirmed on Monday morning that the 32-year-old would not be considered for the series against the Kiwis, which begins in Perth on December 9.
“At this stage we won’t be considering ‘Marn’ for selection for certainly that first Test, but for the New Zealand series,” Bailey said.
“There’s been a lot of speculation around his place in the team, and 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 Shield cricket.”
Labuschagne managed 131 runs from six innings at an average of 21.8 during Australia’s recent Test series against South Africa.
The Queenslander has not averaged more than 35 in a calendar year since 2022 and has not scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes in England.
Labuschagne was dropped for Australia’s Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean last year but piled on the runs in domestic cricket to force his way back into the side.
His latest omission leaves Australia with a vacancy at No.3 and selectors facing a significant decision ahead of the opening Test of the summer.
The next round of Sheffield Shield action begins on Wednesday, with NSW taking on South Australia in Sydney, Victoria hosting Western Australia and Labuschagne’s Queensland side facing Tasmania at the Gabba.
More to come.
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