Australia drop Labuschagne for entire New Zealand Test series

Marnus Labuschagne will miss Australia's four-Test series against New Zealand after selectors decided to leave him out, according to Australian Associated Press reporting carried by ABC News. Selection chairman George Bailey confirmed the decision on Monday, ahead of the opening match in Perth on December 9. The squad has not yet been announced.

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Bailey said the remaining selections would be made after the fourth round of the Sheffield Shield. He explained that announcing Labuschagne's position early would give the batter space and end speculation. The exclusion covers the whole New Zealand series, rather than just the opening Test, but does not rule out a subsequent international return.

Tours to India and England remain possible opportunities for a recall. Bailey said he still expected Labuschagne to perform strongly in first-class cricket and indicated that scoring runs, rather than completing a specific technical assignment, would be the requirement. The 32-year-old is set to resume his role as Queensland captain in the Shield.

The decision follows Australia's 2-1 series defeat in South Africa. In a separate report after that tour, AAP said Labuschagne had gone 49 Test innings without a century. His two dismissals in the deciding match at Cape Town came within eight balls, with his only runs in the match coming from a leading edge. Australia lost that Test by 176 runs.

Coach Andrew McDonald had defended the selectors' continued backing of Labuschagne, rejecting the suggestion that opportunities to represent Australia had damaged the batter. He nevertheless acknowledged that Labuschagne had failed to take chances during the South Africa tour and said his place would need reviewing. McDonald also pointed to performances in state cricket as an important part of the upcoming selection process.

Labuschagne has previously recovered his place through domestic runs. AAP reported that he missed three Tests in the Caribbean last year before returning for the home Ashes after making two centuries in four Shield appearances. McDonald continued to recognise his ability at state level even while acknowledging the need to reconsider his international selection.