Shocker! Australia drop star batter after WTC final defeat against South Africa | Cricket News

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Australia have dropped Marnus Labuschagne for the primary Test against West Indies, whereas Steve Smith will miss the opener as a result of a finger damage from the World Test Championship final against South Africa, introduced chair of selectors George Bailey in Sydney on June 20, 2025.Labuschagne, who opened against South Africa at Lords, scored simply 17 and 22 on a tough pitch. His kind has declined since his final Test century against England at Manchester in July 2023, averaging solely 24.7 in 16 matches.“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” Bailey stated. “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.”

Smith sustained his damage whereas fielding within the slips in the course of the World Test Championship final. He left the sector and watched South Africa’s profitable chase from the pavilion.Quiz: Who’s that IPL participant?“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 stated.Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas will exchange the duo within the beginning XI for the opening Test.The final staff composition and batting order shall be determined nearer to the match.The first Test of the three-match sequence begins on Wednesday in Bridgetown.