Australia Drop Labuschagne, Smith Injured for West Indies Tests

Australia has made significant changes to its Test squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies, most notably dropping Marnus Labuschagne due to his prolonged dip in form, including no centuries in his last 30 innings and an average below 30 over the past year. Labuschagne, who was recently promoted to opener in the World Test Championship final but scored only 17 and 22, has been replaced by the young Sam Konstas, who impressed during his debut season. Vice-captain Steve Smith will miss the first Test due to a dislocated finger sustained in the WTC final but could return for the second Test after further assessment. Josh Inglis will also come into the team, replacing Smith in the playing XI. Selectors and captain Pat Cummins have emphasized the need for a team reset and expressed confidence in the new players, while continuing to support Labuschagne's efforts to regain form. The first Test is set to begin on June 25 in Barbados, with the second Test scheduled for early July in Grenada.