Australia axe Labuschagne for New Zealand test series

Australia have dropped Marnus Labuschagne from consideration for next month’s four-Test home series against New Zealand after a prolonged dip in form. Selector George Bailey said the decision gives the former top-ranked batter space to regain form, while Australia reshapes a top order that has been unsettled since David Warner’s retirement.

Labuschagne has gone 49 innings without a century and averaged 23.66, with two half-centuries in 10 Tests since being dropped last year. He will captain Queensland in the Sheffield Shield as selectors consider replacements; Steve Smith, Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw are among the options. Australia will finalise its squad after the next Shield round, and Bailey said Labuschagne could still return for tours of India and England next year.