Marnus Labuschagne has lost his place in Australia’s Test side ahead of the home series against New Zealand. Selection chair George Bailey confirmed that the No.3 will not be considered for the opening Test in Perth on December 9.
The decision follows a difficult series in South Africa, including scores of 0 and 4 in the final Test in Cape Town.
A long wait for another hundred
Labuschagne’s most recent Test century came during the 2023 Ashes. His run without a hundred has reached 49 innings. Since returning after his omission from the Caribbean tour, he has averaged 23.66 across ten Tests, with two fifties in 19 innings.
Bailey said the decision gives Labuschagne space to return to Queensland without continued uncertainty over his selection.
Replacement still to be settled
Australia’s selectors will finalise the remainder of the squad after the next round of Sheffield Shield cricket. No replacement for the No.3 position has been confirmed in this announcement.
The New Zealand series is scheduled to begin in Perth, followed by Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Labuschagne’s omission concerns the upcoming selection, with the selectors leaving the door open to a future return.