Australia drop star batter after WTC final defeat against South Africa

Australia have dropped Marnus Labuschagne for the first Test against West Indies, while Steve Smith will miss the opener due to a finger injury from the World Test Championship final against South Africa, announced chair of selectors George Bailey in Sydney on June 20, 2025.Labuschagne, who opened against South Africa at Lords, scored just 17 and 22 on a difficult pitch. His form has declined since his last Test century against England at Manchester in July 2023, averaging only 24.7 in 16 matches