Labuschagne dropped from Australia's first Test against New Zealand

The selectors gave Marnus Labuschagne chances for a long time. But not any more. He is set to be dropped from Australia's first Test squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand in December-January.

Australia has not yet announced the squad for the first Test. But chief selector George Bailey confirmed to the media on Monday that Labuschagne will not be considered for the series at this stage.

Bailey said: "At this stage we definitely won't be considering Marn for the first Test, but we may for the New Zealand series. There has been a lot of speculation around his place in the team. I think this will give him some relief before our next activities around the Sheffield Shield, and bring the speculation to an end."

This is the second time in 17 months that Labuschagne has lost his place in the Test team.

Although he was the mainstay at number three for a long time, his century drought has now stretched to 49 innings. He last scored a century in the Manchester Test of the 2023 Ashes.

After last year's World Test Championship final, Labuschagne was dropped from the West Indies tour because of poor form. But he still stayed with the squad.

After a strong start to the domestic season, Labuschagne regained his number three spot in the home Ashes series. The start was excellent, with fifties in the first two Tests. Then he lost his rhythm. In 16 innings since, he has not scored another half-century.

Against Bangladesh he scored 36 runs at an average of 12, and in South Africa he scored 131 runs at an average of 21.83.

Australia failed to win either series, drawing 1-1 with Bangladesh and losing 2-1 to South Africa.

Bailey also offered hope along with the news of Labuschagne's omission. He did not rule out a return to the team. After the four-Test series against New Zealand, Australia will play five Tests in India, and next year there is an away Ashes series. The chief selector is keeping the door open for Labuschagne in those two series.

Bailey said: "It is possible, of course. I think we all know how good and how effective Marnus is when he is in his best form. But that performance has not been there. I think he has wasted some opportunities. In Darwin (against Bangladesh) and even in South Africa, he made promising starts but could not convert them into big scores, which is what we want to see. But that did not happen."

Australia's busy schedule begins with the four-Test series against New Zealand. Even before the first Test squad is announced, the selectors have ended the speculation around Labuschagne.