Australia’s Test Squad Shift: Smith and Labuschagne Out for West Indies Series

The Australian cricket team is set to feature a revised batting lineup when they face the West Indies in the inaugural Test of the 2027 World Test Championship series, starting June 25 in Barbados. Key changes include the absence of Steve Smith, due to injury, and Marnus Labuschagne, who has been dropped following a dip in form. Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas are expected to make their Test debuts. The full playing XI will be announced before the match, but the selectors have already introduced significant alterations. Smith, who sustained a finger injury during the World Test Championship Final, will miss the first Test, with a possible return for the second Test in Grenada, beginning July 3. Labuschagne, after a period of struggles in Test cricket, was given the opening position in the Lord’s final against South Africa, but failed to deliver, scoring 17 and 22. Selection Chair George Bailey confirmed the changes, highlighting the promising performances of the new players. Konstas’s calm half-century against Jasprit Bumrah during Boxing Day was noted, as was Inglis’s debut century in Sri Lanka this year. “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,” Bailey said. Although he is out of the playing XI, Labuschagne remains part of the team, with Bailey’s continued backing as he strives to rediscover his form. The Australian squad includes: Pat Cummins (c), Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann.