Why Did David Boon Exclude Marnus Labuschagne from His Australia Ashes Squad?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, former cricketer David Boon has excluded Marnus Labuschagne from the Australia squad for the Ashes series. With the series starting on November 21 in Perth, Boon's selection raises questions about the team's opening pair and future prospects.
Key Takeaways
- David Boon has excluded Marnus Labuschagne from the squad.
- The Ashes series starts on November 21 in Perth.
- Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas are the preferred opening pair.
- Future contenders include Jake Weatherald and Nathan McSweeney.
- Performance in Shield games will influence future selections.
New Delhi, Aug 15 (NationPress) Former Australian cricketer and selector David Boon has made the surprising decision to exclude Marnus Labuschagne from his chosen squad for the crucial Ashes series, which is set to kick off on November 21 in Perth. This five-match Test series will also take place in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Boon, who recently concluded his role as an ICC Match Referee, has shown support for the criticized opening duo of Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja to open in Perth, despite their unimpressive performances during the series against the West Indies.
Khawaja and Labuschagne had opened the batting for Australia in the World Test Championship final defeat to South Africa at Lord’s in June, but Labuschagne was dropped for the West Indies tour in June-July after scoring just 17 and 22 runs.
Konstas, who took over Labuschagne's spot at the top, scored only 50 runs at an average of 8.3, while Khawaja's average was a mere 19.5. “I have to tread carefully here because if I come down too hard, George Bailey won’t communicate with me. I don’t expect many changes to the team for Perth,” he stated.
“Given how the selections have been made over the last six months, I don’t foresee much alteration, but there will be changes after the Ashes. I would stick with Usman, and there’s a decision to make regarding the second opener. I’d like to see Konstas get a shot, with Smith at 3, Head at 4, Green at 5, Webster at 6, Carey at 7 followed by Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon,” Boon commented on SEN Tassie radio.
Australia currently holds the Ashes title, having won the series in 2021/22 and drawn the series in England in 2023. Boon also mentioned Jake Weatherald, Nathan McSweeney, and Campbell Kellaway as possible future contenders for the Australian Test squad. “Boland will be included in the squad, then it will depend on the performance in the four Shield games leading up to the Ashes,” he added.
“For me, there are three names: Jake Weatherald and two promising young talents, Nathan McSweeney and Campbell Kellaway from Victoria. The crucial factor is that those in contention must participate in the four Shield games for the best chance,” he concluded.
Point of View
Our stance is to present the facts surrounding David Boon’s squad selection. His decision to omit Marnus Labuschagne raises significant questions, but we remain committed to providing a balanced view of the implications for the Australian Test team and its future.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Marnus Labuschagne left out of the squad?
Marnus Labuschagne was excluded due to inconsistent performances, having scored only 17 and 22 runs during the series against the West Indies.
Who are the current opening batsmen for Australia?
David Boon has backed Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja to open the batting in the upcoming Ashes series.
What does David Boon think about the team's selection?
Boon believes that there won't be many changes in the team for Perth, but anticipates adjustments after the Ashes series.
Who are some potential future players mentioned by Boon?
Boon highlighted Jake Weatherald, Nathan McSweeney, and Campbell Kellaway as potential future contenders for the Australian Test team.
When does the Ashes series start?
The Ashes series is set to begin on November 21 in Perth.
