Australia will not consider Marnus Labuschagne for its four-match Test cricket series against New Zealand, beginning in Perth on December 9. Selection chair George Bailey said Labuschagne could return in the future. Labuschagne scored 131 runs across six innings in South Africa, and Australia has yet to announce its complete squad.
Australia will not consider batter Marnus Labuschagne for its four-match Test cricket series against New Zealand. Selection chair George Bailey confirmed that the decision covered the series, which begins in Perth on December 9. Australia has not yet named its complete squad. Bailey said a future return remained possible and acknowledged how effective Labuschagne could be at his best.[1], [2]
Labuschagne, 32, scored 131 runs across six innings during Australia’s recent three-Test tour of South Africa. His last Test century, a score of at least 100 runs in an innings, came in 2023. He reached the top of the world batting rankings in 2021 and now stands equal 40th. Bailey said promising starts in Darwin and South Africa had not reached the substantial scores selectors wanted.[1]
Bailey said the early decision gave Labuschagne space as another round of Sheffield Shield domestic cricket approached. Other players outside the Test setup were being considered while selectors worked on the squad’s composition. After Perth, the New Zealand series moves to Adelaide on December 17, Melbourne on December 26 and Sydney on January 4. Australia is third in the World Test Championship standings, with qualification for June’s final at The Oval still undecided.[1]
