Smith Out, Labuschagne Dropped for Windies Test

Australia will field a fresh-looking batting line-up for next week’s first Test against the West Indies, as they begin their World Test Championship 2027 cycle. The opening Test of the 3 match series begins on June 25 in Barbados.

Steve Smith has been ruled out due to a finger injury, while Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped following a prolonged run of poor form.

Smith, who suffered a compound dislocation to his right pinkie finger during the recent World Test Championship final loss to South Africa at Lord’s, will sit out the series opener but remains in contention for a return in the second Test in Grenada.

“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that,” said Chair of Selectors George Bailey in a statement released on Friday.

With Labuschagne also making way after scores of 17 and 22 at Lord’s, selectors have turned to Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas.

Both have shown glimpses of promise in their brief Test careers. Inglis struck a century on debut in Sri Lanka earlier this year, while Konstas impressed against India last season with a composed half-century on Boxing Day in Melbourne.

“We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus,” Bailey added. “We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling Test careers.”

Labuschagne, once the world’s top-ranked Test batter, has struggled to recapture his best form. Despite being omitted, selectors insist the door remains open.

“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team. He understands his output has not 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,” Bailey said.

Former Test skipper Tim Paine reaffirmed Labuschagne’s quality. “Maybe I am biased with Marnus. I have seen the very best of him and, for me, he is one of the best players in the country,” he said.

Paine also endorsed the decision by saying, “This is the right decision to give Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis their opportunity. Hard to argue with Inglis’ inclusion, he has made the most of every opportunity for Australia in all three formats.”

Australia now looks to fresh talent as they start a new World Test Championship cycle. All eyes will be on Konstas and Inglis to seize their chance. Meanwhile, Smith’s recovery and Labuschagne’s comeback will remain key storylines.

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann.

West Indies Test squad: Roston Chase (c), Kraigg Brathwaite, Mikyle Louis, Brandon King, John Campbell, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Jomel Warrican, Kevlon Anderson, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales