Marnus Labuschagne axed for WI tour; Steve Smith set to miss the first Test

In an interesting turn of events, the Cricket Australia Chief of Selectors, George Bailey, has confirmed that the top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne has faced the axe for the West Indies tour, scheduled to start on Wednesday, June 25 at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.

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Moreover, he has confirmed that Steve Smith, who bats at No.4, will miss the first Test of the three-match series as he has been ruled out of the game with the finger injury he sustained during the World Test Championship 2025 Final against South Africa. There is a chance that he will be available for selection for the second test.

Bailey has also confirmed that the keeper-batter Josh Inglis and young opening batter Sam Konstas, who had an impressive BGT 2024-25 season, would come into the XI for the opening match in place of Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that. 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 said.

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“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. 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,” he added.

“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,” he concluded.

Furthermore, the CA statement read that the Australian batting order and the final playing XI will be finalized before the first Test.

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