Marnus Labuschagne pays the price for WTC final loss; Australia Test squad for West Indies picked

Following their defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, Australia have made changes to their batting lineup for the upcoming first Test against the West Indies. Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the playing XI, and Steven Smith has been ruled out due to injury.

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, is set to begin their 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle with an away series against the West Indies. They will play three Test matches before the five-match T20I series. The first Test is set to begin on Wednesday, June 25, at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith Replaced by Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas

On Friday, Cricket Australia confirmed that Steve Smith will miss the first Test against the West Indies due to a finger injury sustained during the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa at Lord’s. However, he is expected to recover in time for the second Test in Grenada.

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Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped following a run of poor form. Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas have replaced Smith and Marnus Labuschagne for the series opener. While the final playing XI is yet to be officially announced, the duo is likely to feature in the starting lineup.

Konstas last played for Australia during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored 60 runs on debut at the MCG. Inglis made a strong impact with a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier this year.

Marnus Labuschagne Can Be a Really Important Member - George Bailey

Chief selector George Bailey opened up about Marnus Labuschagne’s exclusion from the lineup. Bailey said that Labuschagne remains an important member of the team. He added that the coaching staff will continue to support Labuschagne.

"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," Bailey said 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."

Selectors promoted Marnus Labuschagne to open the batting in the WTC final to accommodate Cameron Green at No. 3. However, Labuschagne managed only 17 and 22 in the two innings. The 30-year-old has experienced a decline in form, with his last Test century coming during the Ashes in 2023.

Steve Smith Needs More Time for the Wound to Heal - George Bailey

Steve Smith dislocated the little finger on his right hand while attempting a catch off Temba Bavuma on day three of the WTC final. He avoided surgery and must wear a splint for eight weeks. Smith could return later in the West Indies series.

George Bailey said that Smith needs more time for the wound to heal and will be reassessed after a week. Bailey expressed confidence in Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas, who now have the opportunity to build on their starts in international cricket.

"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. "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.

"In his only opportunity in Test cricket to date, Josh was outstanding in Sri Lanka, showing great intent and ability to put pressure on the opposition."

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