Australia are all set to begin their next red-ball assignment as they head to the Caribbean for a three-match Test series against West Indies, starting June 25 in Barbados. The tour comes on the heels of their defeat to South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final at Lord’s, a match that not only cost them the title but has also forced key changes to their Test line-up.
Marnus Labuschagne dropped after prolonged lean patch
In a major development, Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the playing XI for the first Test. Once considered a vital cog in the Australian batting line-up, Labuschagne’s struggles with the bat have been under scrutiny for a while. After averaging just 34.91 in 2023, the right-hander’s numbers dipped further in 2024, where he has managed only 30.93 from four Tests.
His performances in the WTC Final, where he opened the innings and returned scores of 17 and 22, were the final blow. Selection chair George Bailey acknowledged the decision was tough but necessary.
“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. We will continue to support him as he works on rediscovering his rhythm,” Bailey said in a statement as quoted by cricket.com.au.
Steve Smith sidelined with finger injury
To add to Australia’s selection shake-up, star batter Steve Smith has been ruled out of the series opener due to a finger injury he sustained during the WTC Final. Smith dislocated his finger during the game and although he has avoided surgery, medical experts have advised an eight-week splint period to allow proper healing. While Smith has travelled with the squad to the West Indies, he remains in doubt for the second Test in Trinidad starting July 3. Regarding him, Bailey said: “Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that.”
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Aspiring stars to step in as replacements
With Labuschagne dropped and Smith unavailable, Australia have turned to two promising names in Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas. Inglis, who made a sparkling Test debut earlier this year in Sri Lanka with a century, is expected to bolster the middle order. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Konstas, who impressed during the Boxing Day Test against India last year, is likely to be slotted in as an opener. Australia have not yet confirmed the exact batting order, but both youngsters are set to feature in the playing XI for the first Test.
“We’ve made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus. We are excited to see them continue their development in Test cricket,” Bailey concluded.
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