June 20, 2025
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Sam Konstas

WI vs AUS first Test: Australia drops Marnus Labuschagne, Smith out injured against West Indies

WI vs AUS first Test: Australia drops Marnus Labuschagne, Smith out injured against West Indies

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File photo of Australia’s batsman Marnus Labuschagne | Photo Credit: Reuters Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped and injured Steve Smith has been ruled out of the Australia lineup for next week’s series-opening cricket Test against the West Indies. Cricket Australia on Friday (June 20, 2025) said Smith would miss the opening match of the three-Test series because of a finger injury sustained in the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa last weekend at Lord’s. He is expected to be fit for the second Test against the West Indies. Chief selector George Bailey said teenage opener Sam Konstas and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis would replace Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. He said Smith needed more time for a wound to heal and he’d be reassessed after an another week. “We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus,” Bailey said. “We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling test careers.” The 19-year-old Konstas has only played two tests, bursting onto the scene with an almost run-a-ball 60 against India in the Boxing Day test in Melbourne last December. The 30-year-old Inglis has played mostly short-form cricket for Australia, playing his only two Test matches to date in the series win in Sri Lanka in February, where he scored a century on debut. “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,” Bailey said. Labuschange averages 46.19 in 104 test innings, including 11 centuries and 23 half-centuries, but has struggled for form in recent series. He hasn’t scored a Test hundred since the 2023 Ashes series in Manchester and hasn’t scored above 26 in his most recent four Test matches. Moved up to open in the WTC final against South Africa, he got starts but was out for 17 and 22. “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,” Bailey said. “We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover.” The batting order and starting XI will be determined closer to the start of the test next Wednedsay. The second test is scheduled to start July 3. Published – June 20, 2025 09:40 am IST

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Steve Smith injury: Australia batter faces up to 8 weeks out, West Indies Test series unlikely | Cricket News

Steve Smith injury: Australia batter faces up to 8 weeks out, West Indies Test series unlikely | Cricket News

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Australia’s Steve Smith reacts after getting hurt while fielding on day three of the World Test Championship final. (AP Photo) Australia have been dealt a significant injury blow, with veteran batter Steve Smith suffering a compound dislocation to his right little finger during the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s. The injury, sustained while attempting a sharp slip catch offered by South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma on Day 3, has ruled Smith out of the remainder of the match and cast doubt over his availability for the upcoming Test series in the West Indies.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Smith was immediately taken to hospital, where the wound was cleaned, stitched, and placed in a splint. Fortunately, he has avoided surgery, but faces up to eight weeks in a splint, with the injury requiring at least two weeks to heal before further assessment. Poll Who do you think should replace Steve Smith in the squad? “It’s lucky it didn’t hit him in the head,” said teammate Beau Webster, underlining the dangerous proximity from which Smith was fielding.Australia’s first Test in the Caribbean begins on June 25 in Barbados, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica. Smith’s injury could not have come at a more inconvenient time for Australia, who are already grappling with inconsistent top-order form. Lobo Predicted It, Again: South Africa’s Historic WTC Win vs Australia Smith was also slated for a brief MLC stint with Washington Freedom, which now appears unlikely.In the absence of a fully fit Smith, Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis could be in line for a recall, depending on team management’s call closer to the series.

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