Marnus Labuschagne faces Test exile as selectors rest him for New Zealand series
The star batter hasn't scored a Test century in 49 innings and misses all four matches against New Zealand.
Marnus Labuschagne will miss Australia's entire four-Test series against New Zealand, Chairman of Selectors George Bailey announced on Monday. Labuschagne hasn't scored a Test century in 49 innings, marking a stark fall from his breakthrough years when he was world cricket's top-ranked batter.
A recent tour of South Africa went particularly badly, with scores of zero, four, 14, 39, 37 and 37. The 32-year-old burst onto the scene with 10 centuries in his first 33 Tests, averaging 59.43.
Bailey said the break gives Labuschagne space and clears up conjecture while he focuses on Sheffield Shield cricket for Queensland. The door remains open for his recall during tours to India and England.
- 49
- Innings without century
- Perth, December 9
- First Test location and date
- 32
- Player age
- 10 from first 33
- Early career centuries from Tests
Why it mattersForm is everything in cricket, and even a former world number one batter must score runs to stay in the team.
AustraliaAustralia will field a weaker Test batting lineup against New Zealand without Labuschagne, though selectors believe Shield cricket will help him restore form.
Corroborated byabc.net.au·smh.com.au
