Melbourne, June 20 (H.S.): Australia’s upcoming first Test in Barbados on June 25 faces significant challenges as star batsman Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the squad, and Steve Smith is sidelined due to injury. In their stead, Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis have been added to the team, altering the batting lineup significantly from the World Test Championship final.

Sam Konstas, who scored 60 runs on his debut against India, is slated to play in the third Test, while Inglis recently marked his Test career with a century against Sri Lanka. Labuschagne’s struggles as an opener were evident in the World Test Championship, where he scored just 17 and 22 runs, reflecting a decline in his form over two years. Selectors chairman George Bailey acknowledged Labuschagne’s importance when at his best but emphasized the need for improvement. Smith, who has a compound dislocation in his little finger sustained while fielding against South Africa, requires rest and will wear a splint for eight weeks but may return for subsequent Tests. The final lineup will be confirmed closer to the match, with expectations for Sam Konstas to open with Usman Khawaja, and potential inclusion of two frontline spinners.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar