Marnus Labuschagne will not be considered for Australia's four-Test series against New Zealand, the ICC reported on 9 November. Selection chair George Bailey confirmed the decision before Australia's squad was named.
Bailey rules out a series recall
Bailey said Labuschagne would not be considered for the New Zealand series, extending the decision beyond the opening Test in Perth. The ICC's 9 November report says Australia has yet to name its squad, so the remaining batting places are still to be settled.
Bailey presented the omission as temporary. Asked whether Labuschagne could return to the Test side later, Australia selection Chair George Bailey replied, “It's still possible, absolutely.” He said selectors had not ruled anyone out permanently.
South Africa form and Test ranking
SportsRivo compared two figures in the ICC's 9 November report. During the recent South Africa Test series, Labuschagne scored 131 runs in six innings. The ICC also reported that Labuschagne was equal 40th among Test batters. Previously, Labuschagne was number one among Test batters. The ICC also noted Labuschagne last scored a Test century in 2023. Bailey said Labuschagne's promising starts in Darwin and South Africa had not led to the big score selectors wanted. Bailey also said Labuschagne would not be considered for the New Zealand series, giving him space while selectors worked through the next round of Shield cricket.
What the decision changes
- Australia will choose its batting group for the New Zealand Tests without Labuschagne, as Bailey confirmed in the ICC's 9 November report.
- Labuschagne remains eligible for a later return; Bailey explicitly left that possibility open in the same report.
Perth opener follows squad selection
Australia has not yet named the squad. Bailey said selectors would work through their options over the next week or so. The ICC's 9 November schedule lists the first New Zealand Test in Perth on 9 December.
Source: ICC