Australia Drop Labuschagne for New Zealand Tests as Century Drought Extends

Marnus Labuschagne will not be considered for Australia’s upcoming Test series against New Zealand, selection chair George Bailey confirmed on Monday, bringing an end to speculation that had shadowed the batter’s place in the side.

The decision follows a lean tour of South Africa in which Labuschagne returned 131 runs at an average of 21.83. That came on the back of 36 runs at 12 against Bangladesh. Australia drew 1-1 with Bangladesh and lost 2-1 in South Africa.

It is the second time in 17 months that Labuschagne has lost his Test spot. For a long fixture at No. 3, he has now gone 49 innings without a century, the drought stretching back to the 2023 Ashes in Manchester. A poor run of form cost him his place during the tour of West Indies that followed last year’s World Test Championship final, though he remained part of the squad.

He returned to the No. 3 position for the home Ashes after a strong start to the domestic season. A fifty in each of the first two Tests suggested a revival, but his returns petered out thereafter. He has since gone 16 innings without a half-century.

Despite the omission, Bailey was careful not to frame the decision as permanent. The schedule ahead offers Labuschagne a route back, with four Tests against New Zealand followed by a five-match tour of India and an away Ashes series next year.

For Labuschagne, the immediate task is domestic cricket and the Queensland captaincy. For Australia, the search continues for a No. 3 capable of the output the position has long demanded.

                                               

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