Australia drop Labuschagne for New Zealand Test series

Australia axe Marnus Labuschagne with batter averaging less than 24 in 10 Tests since returning to the side for last winters Ashes; chair of selectors George Bailey does not rule out 32-year-old being recalled for tour to India early next year and next summers Ashes series in England

Australia have dropped Marnus Labuschagne for the four-Test series at home to New Zealand.

The squad has not yet been announced for a contest that begins in Perth on December 9, but chair of selectors George Bailey has revealed that batter Labuschagne will not be selected after averaging only 23.66 in 10 Tests since returning for last winter's Ashes.

The 32-year-old mustered just 131 runs across three Tests at an average of 21.83 during Australia's recent 2-1 series defeat in South Africa and has gone 49 innings without a Test century, stretching back to the 2023 Ashes series in England.

Bailey told reporters: "We won't be considering Marn for selection.

"I just wanted to clear that up as there's going to be, or has been, a lot of speculation around his place in the team. I think this gives him a little bit of space and clears up a bit of conjecture."

Source: Sky Sports