Perth: Marnus Labuschagne will not be considered for Australia’s opening Test against New Zealand in Perth on December 9, with selection chairman George Bailey saying the struggling batter needs time away from the scrutiny surrounding his place in the side.
Bailey announced the decision on Monday, saying there had been “a lot of speculation” about Labuschagne’s position and that the break would give the 32-year-old “a little bit of space” while selectors assess their options.
Labuschagne has gone 49 Test innings without a century, with his last hundred coming during the 2023 Ashes. He has played 68 Tests.
His recent form has added to the pressure. During Australia’s tour of South Africa, he scored 131 runs in six innings, with a highest score of 39. He made zero and four in the final Test in Cape Town as Australia lost the series 2-1.
Since being dropped for the Caribbean tour last year, Labuschagne has averaged 23.66 in 10 Tests, scoring two half-centuries.
Bailey, however, did not rule out a return. Asked whether Labuschagne could force his way back into the side for next year’s tours of England and India, he said it was “still possible, absolutely”.
He added that selectors knew how effective Labuschagne could be, but said his recent performances had not met expectations. Bailey also stressed that selectors had “never ruled anyone out permanently”.
Labuschagne will return to domestic red-ball cricket as Queensland captain in the Sheffield Shield, where he can work towards regaining his place. Australia are expected to finalise their squad after the next round of Shield matches, which begins on Wednesday.
Bailey said several players were well placed to fill the vacancies, with selectors set to spend the coming week assessing their options.
Labuschagne’s absence also raises questions over Australia’s top-order combination. The team has been reshaping its batting order since David Warner’s retirement nearly three years ago.
Steve Smith is expected to return for the Perth Test after missing the Cape Town match with a neck injury. He could move up to number three, although he has previously expressed a preference for batting at number four.
Cameron Green has also batted at number three in Tests, while Matt Renshaw remains another option. Kurtis Patterson and Sam Konstas have also been among the leading top-order performers in the early Sheffield Shield matches.
Bailey’s comments specifically confirmed that Labuschagne would not be considered for the first Test. While some reports described the decision as ruling him out of the entire four-match series, his remarks left open the possibility of a return later.
(With inputs from media reports)