Sports · Cricket · 13 hrs ago
Australia drops Labuschagne from New Zealand Test series
Australia’s selectors have ruled Marnus Labuschagne out of the four-Test series against New Zealand, which starts in Perth on December 9.
The 32-year-old batter has struggled for runs and has gone 49 Test innings without a century, with his last one coming in the 2023 Ashes.
On Australia’s recent tour of South Africa, he scored 131 runs across six innings, averaging 21.83.
Selectors say the decision gives him clarity as he returns to Queensland’s Sheffield Shield side, Australia’s domestic first-class competition.
The squad for the opening Test will be named after the next round of Shield matches, which begins on November 11.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey said a future recall remains possible if Labuschagne regains form.
Australia has ruled Marnus Labuschagne out of consideration for its four-Test series against New Zealand.
Chief selector George Bailey said the decision followed a prolonged run of poor batting form.
Labuschagne scored 131 runs at an average of 21.83 in the recent Test series in South Africa, according to the Times of India.
He has not scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes in England.
Bailey said Labuschagne could still return to the team if he regains form in domestic cricket.
Australia’s first Test against New Zealand starts in Perth on December 9.
- Who
- Australia’s selectors, led by chairman George Bailey, have ruled Labuschagne out of consideration.
- What
- Labuschagne will not be considered for Australia’s four-Test series against New Zealand.
- When
- The decision was announced on Monday, November 9, 2026. The first Test begins on December 9.
- Where
- The first Test is scheduled for Perth, Australia.
- Why
- Bailey cited Labuschagne’s poor recent form and said the decision would give him space amid speculation about his place.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Labuschagne last scored a Test century, according to the articles.
Bailey confirmed Labuschagne would not be considered for the New Zealand series.
The next round of Sheffield Shield matches is scheduled to begin.
Australia’s first Test against New Zealand is scheduled to start in Perth.
- Series
- Four Tests against New Zealand
- First Test
- December 9, 2026, in Perth
- Recent South Africa series
- 131 runs at an average of 21.83, according to the Times of India
- Last Test century
- 2023 Ashes in England
- Next domestic matches
- Sheffield Shield round begins November 11, 2026
13 sources
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What people are saying
At this stage we won’t be considering Marn for selection for certainly that first Test, but for the New Zealand series
It's still possible, absolutely
We all know how good and how effective Marnus can be at his best, but that performance hasn’t been there
Posts on X
Breaking: George Bailey has confirmed Marnus Labuschagne will not be considered for the New Zealand Test series.
BREAKING: George Bailey has confirmed Marnus Labuschagne will not be picked for the first Test against New Zealand. He will return to the Sheffield Shield to play for Queensland, and will likely have an extended run there. On @aap_sports