AUS vs WI: Marnus Labuschagne Dropped, Injured Steve Smith Misses 1st Test vs West Indies

Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of the team for the first Test against We st Indies in Barbados, starting on June 25, Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday (June 20). Steve Smith will also miss the match after dislocating his finger during the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis will take their places in the playing XI.

Labuschagne has been going through a rough patch in Test cricket for some time. He averaged just 34.91 in 2023 and it dropped further to 30.93 in 2024. In four Tests this year, the 30-year-old has averaged just over 16. The final blow came in the WTC Final, where he opened the innings but scored only 17 and 22.

"Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team. He understands his output hasn't been at the level we, or he, expects. We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover. We continue to value his skill and expect him to work through the challenge positively." chair of selectors George Bailey said.

Some changes for Australia after defeat in the #WTCFinal.

Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped for their opening Test in the West Indies with Steve Smith also missing out with injury.

Sam Konstas & Josh Inglis come into the side. #bbccricket pic.twitter.com/P9ZWbhdsK9

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) June 19, 2025

Smith Travels with Squad, But Recovery Ongoing

Smith has avoided surgery and travelled with the squad to the West Indies but has been told to wear a splint for eight weeks. He might still play in the second Test starting July 3, depending on whether the splint affects his batting. Konstas, who impressed on debut in last year’s Boxing Day Test against India, is likely to open. Inglis, who made a strong start to his Test career with a century in Sri Lanka earlier this year, is expected to fill the middle-order spot left by Smith, though Australia hasn’t confirmed the final batting order yet.

"Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we'll give him another week's rest and assess his functionality after that," Bailey said. "We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus. We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling Test careers.

In his only opportunity in Test cricket to date, Josh was outstanding in Sri Lanka, showing great intent and ability to put pressure on the opposition." Bailey added.

Final XI and Batting Order Still Unconfirmed

Australia is expected to finalise their playing XI and batting order closer to the start of the Test. However, Konstas is likely to open the innings with Usman Khawaja. If conditions favour spin, there’s a possibility the team could field two specialist spinners, with Matt Kuhnemann potentially joining Nathan Lyon in the lineup.

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