Selectors are holding off on a decision regarding Marnus Labuschagne’s Test future as Australia prepares for a potential batting squeeze ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final and upcoming series.
Labuschagne’s struggles with consistency continued during Australia’s recent 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, where he managed scores of 20 and 4 before an unbeaten 26 helped secure victory in the second Test in Galle. Despite occasional flashes of form, including crucial half-centuries in the India series, he has only registered one century in his last 51 Test innings. His average since the start of 2023 stands at 31.54—significantly lower than the 62.29 he maintained in the four years prior.
With a surplus of batting options available for the WTC Final against South Africa at Lord’s in June, competition for spots is intensifying. All-rounder Cameron Green is set to return following back surgery, while Josh Inglis made a strong statement with a century on debut in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Sam Konstas is pushing for a recall, and Nathan McSweeney is in contention for his first Test appearance.
“It’s clear that we’ve got some players that have put their hand up, so there is a squeeze,” said head coach Andrew McDonald. “Whoever misses out will be very unlucky.”
McDonald hinted at potential changes between the WTC Final and the subsequent three-match Test series against the West Indies in June, emphasizing that different conditions could influence squad selection.
“England creates a different challenge, and then we head to the West Indies, where conditions can vary between spin-friendly and ones that assist swing and seam,” McDonald said. “The beauty of it is we have some time before making decisions.”
Smith Urges Faith in Labuschagne
Stand-in captain Steven Smith remains confident that Labuschagne is close to returning to form, dismissing suggestions that the No. 3 batter is struggling. Smith, who endured a lean start to the home summer before hitting centuries in four of his last five Tests, sees similarities between himself and Labuschagne.
“I’ve said this a lot of times about myself—there’s a difference between being out of form and out of runs. I don’t think Marnus is out of form,” Smith said. “I’ve watched him train, I’ve watched him play, and a lot of the things he does well are still there. He knows he’d love to score more runs, and we’d love him to score more runs, but in my opinion, it’s just around the corner.”
With Australia opting to wait before finalizing their squad, Labuschagne still has time to make his case, but competition for spots remains fierce as the team looks ahead to a crucial Test calendar.
