Chairman of selectors George Bailey told cricket.com.au that, at this stage, Labuschagne would not be considered for the series, easing speculation about his place.

The 32-year-old, who was born in South Africa, struggled through the three-Test series there, averaging 21.83 with a top score of 39 in six innings.

His scores were 0, 4, 14, 39, 37 and 37.

His last Test was the third at Newlands, which the Proteas won by 176 runs.

He has played 68 Tests and was once the world’s top-ranked batter, but has not scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes, a 111 at Old Trafford.

MARNUS OUT ❌

Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey confirms that Marnus Labuschagne will not be considered for selection for the upcoming four-Test series against New Zealand.

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— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) November 9, 2026

Bailey said everyone knows how effective Labuschagne can be at his best.

He left the door open to a recall if Labuschagne rediscovers form in the Sheffield Shield, saying selectors have never ruled anyone out permanently.

A return is “still possible, absolutely”, he said.

Labuschagne will captain Queensland in the Shield as he tries to rebuild his form.

Australia open the series in Perth on 9 December, with the squad to be named after the next round of Shield matches.

The first four-Test Trans-Tasman series will be played in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney across 31 days.

Steve Smith is tipped to move up from four to three in the batting order in his absence.

Australia lost the series in South Africa 2-1, and the Proteas are now top of the Test rankings.

– AFP

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