Will Konstas & Inglis Shine as Marnus is Dropped for Windies Test?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Australia has introduced new players for the first Test against the West Indies.
- Steve Smith is out due to injury, while Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped.
- Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis are expected to make a significant impact.
- Selectors are focusing on future potential and performance.
- The final batting order will be decided before the match.
Melbourne, June 20 (NationPress) Opener Sam Konstas and reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis are set to feature in the first Test against the West Indies as Australia unveils a fresh batting lineup for the match in Barbados next week. This change comes as Steve Smith is sidelined due to injury and Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped after a string of poor performances.
Smith will miss the opening match of the three-Test series due to a finger injury he sustained during the World Test Championship against South Africa. However, Cricket Australia has indicated that he is still in contention for the second match.
Smith has avoided surgery but must keep his right finger in a splint for up to eight weeks following a compound dislocation.
Labuschagne has been left out after his performances in the World Test Championship final, where he struggled with scores of 17 and 22.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey announced that Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas will replace Smith and Labuschagne in the starting XI. “Steve needs more time to heal, so we’ll give him another week’s rest. We’re excited to see Josh and Sam get this chance to advance their Test careers,” Bailey stated.
The newcomers have shown promise in their early matches. Konstas notably impressed by scoring a half-century against world No.1 Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah, while Inglis made a century on his Test debut in Sri Lanka earlier this year.
“In his only Test opportunity so far, Josh was exceptional in Sri Lanka, demonstrating great intent. Marnus has the potential to be a key player for us, and we will continue to work with him to regain his form,” Bailey added.
The batting order and final XI will be finalized closer to the start of the match.
Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann.