New Delhi: Marnus Labuschagne has paid the price for his twin failures in the World Test Championship final against South Africa with his place in the playing XI for next week’s series-opening Test against the West Indies.

Labuschagne, who scored 17 and 22 in the WTC final after being promoted as an opener, was criticised for his regressive batting style and failure to capitalise on the starts as Australia lost the final by 5 wickets at Lord’s last week.

The Aussie batter averages 46.19 in 104 Test innings, including 11 centuries and 23 half-centuries, but has struggled for form in recent times. Labuschagne’s last Test century came in the 2023 Ashes series in Manchester, and he hasn’t crossed the 26-run mark in his most recent four games.

“Marnus at his best can be a really important member of........

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