Marnus Labuschagne Replacements- Players Australia Can Pick For Tests

Marnus Labuschagne (R) & Kurtis Patterson (Source: AFP Photos)

It has been 43 innings since Marnus Labuschagne, once widely regarded as Australia’s Test specialist, notched up a Test century for the country. From then till Saturday’s knock, he had only nine half-centuries.

From someone who bats at No. 3, that too for Australia, who have been dominating the world in red-ball cricket under Pat Cummins for a while now, these numbers are very much alarming for Labuschagne.

Clouds Darken Over Marnus Labuschagne With Each Passing Year

To turn the matter from bad to worse on Saturday, he was cleaned up by Bangladesh’s record-breaking bowler Shoriful Islam after scoring just 4 runs in nine balls during the second Test between Bangladesh and Australia at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay.

[Marnus Labuschagne Test Stats In Recent Years, As Of August 22, 2026]

As the numbers speak for themselves, time is running out for Labuschagne in Australia’s Test set-up. Even though there is little chance that he might get another opportunity in the ongoing Australia vs Bangladesh Test to prove the critics wrong, let’s take a look at available Marnus Labuschagne replacements for Australia.

Kurtis Patterson

The most ideal like-for-like Marnus Labuschagne replacement for Australia at present is Kurtis Patterson. He has even proved himself of late as well, making 53 off 91 balls after coming to bat at No. 3 against Bangladesh in the Warm-Up Test match.

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Not to forget, he, playing for New South Wales, was the highest individual run-scorer in the last season’s Sheffield Shield in Australia, thanks to a splendid 173 against South Australia.

[Kurtis Patterson Stats]

Besides, there were recent reports that Kurtis Patterson would be one of the Marnus Labuschagne replacements for the coming days, given that Ashes 2027 is less than 12 months away.

Nathan McSweeney

Just like Patterson, Cricket Australia (CA) has reportedly told Nathan McSweeney to be there if they need a Marnus Labuschagne replacement soon. 

Besides, the 27-year-old has been in superb form for Northamptonshire in the ongoing County Championship in England, which will end on September 24.

[Nathan McSweeney County Championship 2026 Stats, As Of August 22, 2026]

Not to forget, McSweeney had captained Australia A in the past and had also led Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL). Therefore, it can be safe to say that he has already been under CA’s watch.

Tim Ward

Another Australian No. 3 from the domestic circuit, Tim Ward, can be a surprise weapon for Australia as one of Marnus Labuschagne's replacements for the future. He might not have had a great Sheffield Shield campaign last time around, but was at his very best prior to that season.

[Tim Ward Stats]

Ideally, he is the most suited No. 3 batter available for Australia, and if CA wants to have an identical replacement for Labuschagne, he should be the guy from Tasmania.

Josh Inglis

Josh Inglis did not have a great start for Australia in Tests, as he has often been used as wicket-keeper cover for Alex Carey. However, as Carey is only 34, Australia can pick him solely as a designated batter at the top of the order, a position Inglis likes to play.

Not to forget, Inglis is yet to bat at No. 3 for Australia. So, even though he only averages 26.28 in Tests after seven innings, there is a lot of cricket left in him if he can be utilised perfectly.

Adding to that, Inglis proved his red-ball pedigree in the past as well.

[Josh Inglis Stats]

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