Marnus Labuschagne was Monday axed from Australia's squad for their upcoming four-Test series against New Zealand, paying the price for a long run of poor form.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The number three, who has played 68 Tests, was under-pressure going into their recent tour of South Africa and failed to fire across the three Tests.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"At this stage we won't be considering Marn for selection for certainly that first Test, but for the New Zealand series," chairman of selectors George Bailey told cricket.com.au.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"There's been a lot of speculation around his place in the team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"So I think this gives him a little bit of space and clears up a bit of conjecture as we work through the next round of (Sheffield) Shield cricket."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Labuschagne, who at one stage was the world's top-ranked batter, had a tortured tour of South Africa, where his highest score was 39.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 32-year-old has not scored a century since the 2023 Ashes series against England, but Bailey left the door open for a recall if he again finds form in the domestic red-ball competition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's still possible, absolutely," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"And I think we all know how good and how effective Marnus can be at his best. But that performance hasn't been there.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"But I don't think we've ever ruled anyone out permanently ... and that's no different in this case."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The first Test against New Zealand starts on December 9 in Perth with the squad set to be named after the next round of Shield action, which begins Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n