Labuschagne ruled out of New Zealand Test series

Australia selectors have ruled Marnus Labuschagne out of the entire four-Test home series against New Zealand, with selection chair George Bailey saying the batter’s recent form did not warrant a place. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Perth on December 9. Bailey said Labuschagne could still return to the national team in future.

Labuschagne scored 131 runs across six innings in Australia’s recent Test series against South Africa, averaging 21.83, with a highest score of 39. Bailey said the batter had missed opportunities to turn promising starts into larger scores. Labuschagne has not scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes in England.

Bailey said the decision was intended to end speculation about Labuschagne’s immediate selection prospects and give him time to focus on domestic cricket. The Queensland batter is expected to captain his state in the next Sheffield Shield round. Bailey said selectors had not ruled him out permanently, and noted that Labuschagne had previously performed strongly at first-class level.

Labuschagne was left out of Australia’s Test plans before the West Indies series in 2025, then returned after strong domestic performances. His latest...