Australia Axe Labuschagne Ahead of the New Zealand Test Series

Australia – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Australia axe Labuschagne from their squad for the four-Test series against New Zealand. The decision was made on Monday after a long run of poor scores.

The number three has played 68 Tests. He was already under pressure before the tour of South Africa, and he could not turn things around in the three matches there.

His highest score on that tour was just 39. It was a hard trip for a player who was once the top-ranked batter in the world.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey explained the move to cricket.com.au. He said Labuschagne will not be considered for the first Test or the rest of the New Zealand series.

Bailey said there has been a lot of talk about the batter’s place. He believes this break gives him some space and ends the guessing.

The 32-year-old has not scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes series against England. That long wait has made his place harder to defend.

Still, the door is not fully shut. Bailey said a recall is absolutely possible if Labuschagne finds form in the Sheffield Shield.

He added that everyone knows how good Marnus can be at his best. He also said selectors never rule anyone out for good.

The first Test starts on December 9 in Perth. The squad will be named after the next round of Shield games, which begins on Wednesday.

Now the big question is who will take his spot. Steve Smith is tipped to move up from number four to number three.