Marnus axed and young guns in as selectors make bold call

Marnus Labuschagne has been axed from Australia’s Test team in a sensational move six days out from the first match against the West Indies.

Australian selectors have taken the rare step to reveal two changes to the side almost a week before the start of the series.

They have confirmed on Friday morning teenage sensation Sam Konstas and West Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will both return to the team for the first Test in Barbados.

Steve Smith has been ruled out of the match with his dislocated finger — but is pushing to be available for the rest of the series — while the poor run of form that has plagued Labuschagne for two years has finally caught up to him.

Labuschagne has not posted a Test century since the 2023 Ashes series, which was also the last time he averaged more than 30 in a season.

He scored 17 and 22 in Australia’s World Test Championship final defeat to South Africa last week.

“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” selection chair George Bailey said.

“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.”

A final team for the match — which begins next Wednesday — has not been confirmed, but it is likely Konstas will open the batting and Inglis slots into the middle-order, possibly at Smith’s vacant No.4

It will be Konstas’ third Test for Australia after lighting up the MCG with his cavalier attack on Jasprit Bumrah on Boxing Day, where he ramped, scooped and slashed his way to a remarkable 60 off 65 balls.

Inglis made a century in Galle against Sri Lanka in his only Test.

“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.”