Labuschagne axed as Konstas and Inglis to face West Indies

Steve Smith has been officially ruled out of Australia’s first Test against the West Indies in Barbados, as selectors swing the axe on underperforming batter Marnus Labuschagne.

Smith is still recovering from the finger injury he sustained during the World Test Championship final against South Africa and will be assessed again ahead of the second Test in Grenada.

However, in major news five days out from the first Test in Bridgetown, selectors have confirmed that Labuschagne will be dropped from Australia’s XI.

The No.3 hasn’t made a century in his past 30 innings.

Chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas would replace Smith and Labuschagne in the XI for the series opener starting June 25 at Kensington Oval.

“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.

“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team. He understands his output hasn’t been at the level we, or he, expects.