Marnus Labuschagne dropped! Australia chief selector makes big announcement
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Australian Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne has been excluded from consideration for the upcoming series against New Zealand, according to a statement from national selector George Bailey. The 31-year-old, who has struggled with form over recent assignments, will not feature in the opening Test in December, marking the second time in 17 months he has been left out of Australia’s plans.
His exclusion follows a prolonged slump, including a 49-innings drought without a Test century and a recent average of just 12 against Bangladesh, despite a brief resurgence in domestic cricket earlier this year. Bailey emphasized that while Labuschagne remains a talented player, his inconsistent performances have cost him his spot for now, though the door remains open for a potential return ahead of Australia’s busy schedule, which includes a five-match tour of India and the Ashes series next year.
Labuschagne’s struggles have been evident in recent series, where he managed only 36 runs against Bangladesh and 131 runs at an average of 21.83 in South Africa, as Australia failed to secure victories in either campaign. His omission aims to provide clarity amid speculation about his future in the team, though Bailey acknowledged the batter’s potential to regain his place if he can regain form in domestic cricket ahead of the next international commitments.
