Overview

• Marnus Labuschagne has been omitted from Australia’s XI for the Barbados opener after failing to score a Test century in over 30 innings and averaging 31 across his last 30 knocks.
• Steve Smith has been ruled out of the first Test with a fractured little finger sustained at Lord’s and will be reassessed ahead of the second Test in Grenada.
• Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis have been drafted into the playing XI to replace Labuschagne at the top of the order and Smith in the middle order.
• The three-match series against West Indies starts on June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados, kicking off Australia’s new World Test Championship cycle.
• Chair of selectors George Bailey said the changes aim to refresh the batting line-up while Smith recovers and Labuschagne works on regaining form.