Marnus Labuschagne all set to be dropped from Australia Test squad for New Zealand series
Marnus Labuschagne has not scored a Test century in his last 49 innings.
Australia have made a big decision ahead of their upcoming Test series against New Zealand, as senior batter Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the plans for the home Test series. The decision comes after his poor run with the bat in recent matches.
Australia recently faced South Africa in a three-match Test series, where they lost 2-1. Labuschagne struggled to score runs during the series and failed to hit a single half-century. He also scored just 0 and 4 in the third Test.
Australia will now face New Zealand in a four-match home Test series starting in December. However, Labuschagne will not be considered for the series, as confirmed by chief selector George Bailey on Monday, November 9.
“At this stage we won’t be considering Marn for selection for certainly that first Test, but for the New Zealand series,” Bailey said.
Marnus Labuschagne dropped after poor run of form
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Marnus Labuschagne has struggled to score runs in Test cricket over the last few months. His last century came during the 2023 Ashes in Manchester, and he has now gone 49 innings without scoring a hundred.
He also missed out on Australia’s squad for the away Test series against the West Indies in 2025. However, he returned to the team after scoring runs in domestic cricket. His recent performances have once again put his place in the team under pressure.
Bailey said that Marnus Labuschagne can still return to the Australian team. However, he will need to score runs in domestic cricket to get another chance.
“It’s still possible, absolutely. And I think we all know how good and how effective Marnus can be at his best. But that performance hasn’t been there,” Bailey said.
Australia have some important Test series coming up next year, including a five-match tour of India in the first quarter of 2027 and an away Ashes series against England later in the year.
Labuschagne could still earn his place in the squad for these tours if he performs well in domestic cricket. He will now return to Queensland and lead the team in the upcoming Sheffield Shield matches.
Meanwhile, Australia will announce their squad for the New Zealand Test series after the next round of Sheffield Shield matches, which begins on November 11.
Will Marnus Labuschagne play against New Zealand?
No, George Bailey has confirmed that Labuschagne will not be considered for the four-match Test series against New Zealand.
When will Australia announce their Test squad for the New Zealand series?
Australia will announce their squad after the next round of Sheffield Shield matches, which begins on November 11.
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