Cricket news 2025, Marnus Labuschagne dropped from Australia Test team for West Indies tour

The axe has finally fallen on struggling Test batter Marnus Labuschagne.

Australia selection chief George Bailey has confirmed Labuschagne has been dumped for the first Test against the West Indies later this month.

It comes following a dismal two-year run of form for the right-hander who once averaged above 70 in the baggy green.

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His Test average is still an impressive 46.19 from 58 matches - figures any batter would be happy with - but he has scored one century in two and a half years, and averaged a measly 31.00 in that period.

Labuschagne was elevated to opener for the World Test Championship final last week and while he made a couple of starts, his inability to put any pressure back on the South African bowlers left many pundits unimpressed.

He is now out of the team and will have to fight to get his spot back ahead of the summer Ashes series.

Marnus Labuschagne of Australia. Getty

Steve Smith is also out of the first Windies Test injured after suffering a gruesome compound fracture to his finger in the WTC final.

Teen tyro Sam Konstas looks set to open alongside Usman Khawaja, and Josh Inglis has been recalled to the middle order.

Inglis made a century in Galle on his Test debut earlier this year, while Konstas lit up the MCG on Boxing Day against India.

Former Aussie coach Justin Langer this week pleaded with selectors to stick fat with Labuschagne but his ordinary form ultimately cost him.

"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," Bailey told media on Friday.

"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.

Sam Konstas and Pat Cummins celebrate at the MCG. Getty

"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."

Labuschagne is about to turn 31 years old and as Khawaja himself proved, it is not out of the question to be recalled in your mid-30s and perform well at Test level.

Smith is expected to be fit for the second match against the West Indies but Australia may take the opportunity to get games into Konstas and Inglis in order to blood them for future selection.

Smith and Khawaja are nearing the end of their careers and the Test team is on the cusp of regeneration.

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