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On Friday, June 20, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed updates to their previously announced Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies, which is scheduled to commence from June 25. Australia, who are coming after losing the World Test Championship (WTC) Final by five wickets against South Africa, will miss the services of Steve Smith in the series opener.
Notably, Smith sustained a finger injury in the WTC Final. After copping a blow on his right little finger on day three of the title clash, the Aussie veteran did not take any part in the game and was later confirmed of dislocating his finger. Although, the batter avoided a surgery, he continues to be in line to return for the second Test in Grenada.
Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis to return for first Test vs West Indies
"Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we'll give him another week's rest and assess his functionality after that," Chief Selector George Bailey said, as quoted in the release. Furthermore, Marnus Labuschagne, who opened for Australia in the WTC Final, has been omitted from the XI. "Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team. He understands his output hasn't been at the level we, or he, expects," Bailey said.
"We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover. We continue to value his skill and expect him to work through the challenge positively," he further added. In the absence of these two key players, CA has opted to go with Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis for the opening Test in Barbados.
"We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus. We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling Test careers," Bailey further added.
Australia's Test squad for West Indies Test series
Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
