Marnus Labuschagne during a Test match for Australia (Source: AFP Photos)
Marnus Labuschagne will not be considered for Australia’s squad for New Zealand Tests, Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed the development on Monday (November 9). Bailey later revealed that the decision regarding Labuschagne has been taken by Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel.
The decision taken by Australia on Labuschagne was bound to happen, given how Australia’s Test specialist kept on struggling at No. 3. He has hit a century in red-ball cricket for Australia since the fourth Test of the 2023 series against England.
In simple terms, he did not have a Test century in his last 49 innings. Besides, he has a Test average of 23.66 from ten matches since returning to the mix in the last season's Ashes, having only got a single half-century in 16 innings.
Marnus Labuschagne Left Out In Advance For Sheffield Shield Comeback
While speaking to reporters, Bailey confirmed that the news on Marnus Labuschagne's axing came in advance due to the fact that he could be available for selection and could captain Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.
"We won't be considering Marn for selection, certainly for that first Test, but [also] for the New Zealand series. And the reason I just wanted to clear that up today is I think there's going to be, or has been, a lot of speculation around his place in the team," Bailey told the reporters.
"So I think this gives him a little bit of space and clears up a bit of conjecture as we work through the next round of Shield cricket," Bailey added.
When Will Australia Squad For New Zealand Tests Be Announced?
Australia's squad for the first Test against New Zealand will be announced after the fourth round of the Sheffield Shield. The fourth round begins on Wednesday (November 11).
"We'll pick the rest of that squad at the end of the completion of round four of Sheffield Shield," Bailey revealed.
Four Tests between Australia and New Zealand, very crucial for the World Test Championship (WTC), will begin on December 9. Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney will host the Australia vs New Zealand Tests, scheduled to end on January 8.
