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2w ago

McDonald Backs Labuschagne’s Future Role in Australia Side for West Indies Tests

Defending Labuschagne’s place, McDonald is assessing Steve Smith’s injured finger before the Caribbean series, weighing the need for extra batting cover.

Cricket - 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final - South Africa v Australia - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - June 12, 2025 Australia's Marnus Labuschagne reacts after getting hit by a bowl Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo
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Overview

  • Andrew McDonald insisted Marnus Labuschagne remains essential to Australia’s batting plans despite scores of 17 and 22 in the World Test Championship final.
  • Labuschagne has averaged 46 in Test cricket and the coach said he could underpin the order for the next several years if he rediscovers his form.
  • Steve Smith will join the West Indies tour squad but his finger injury is being assessed and Australia may call up extra batting cover if he misses the first Test.
  • Usman Khawaja has cemented his place on contract, providing stability at the top, and Travis Head could return to opening if Caribbean conditions favour spin.
  • McDonald acknowledged Australia’s recent inconsistency across series and emphasised flexibility in selection ahead of the June 25 series opener in the Caribbean.