"Biased": Why Tim Paine is torn over Labuschagne axing

Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the Australia starting XI for the opening Test against the West Indies.

Amid ongoing speculation over Australia’s top order, Labuschagne joins Steve Smith (injured) as the two names who played in the World test Championship Final defeat at Lord’s that will skip the Barbados match.

Josh Inglis and Sam Konstas will come into the starting lineup.

Smith sustained a compound dislocation to his right hand pinkie finger against South Africa on day three at Lord’s, and while the vice-captain will not require surgery, he will sit out but remains in the running for the second Test in Grenada.

“Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we’ll give him another week’s rest and assess his functionality after that,” Chair of Selectors George Bailey said in a statement.

“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.

“In his only opportunity in Test cricket to date, Josh was outstanding in Sri Lanka, showing great intent and ability to put pressure on the opposition.

“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.

“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.”

Reacting as the news broke, SENQ's Ian Healy noted that despite the dropping, Labuschagne still has time on his side to once again break into the test squad.

“They're still, you know, recognizing his value, and they (the selectors) expect him to work his way through it,” Healy said on SENQ’s Breakfast.

“He's only 30/31. He's got time.”

When asked by co-host Corey Parker about how Labuschagne should go about getting reselected, Healy feels he should return to his county side of Glamorgan and really focus on improving his technique.

“I would certainly put it up as a suggestion, Marnus to Glamorgan and give him a lot of breathing space and time to really,” Healy explained.

“Now that it's done, you know, the uncertainty whether I'm gonna get dropped or whether I'm playing.

“That's been probably the last 6 months for him. Now he can breathe.

“Now get your technique right and get playing.”

Former Australian captain Tim Paine, who was this morning confirmed as Australia A's new head coach, was also on air when the news broke.

Having previously backed Labuschagne to stay in the team, he believes that the decision was the right call given that it provides Inglis with an opportunity following his performances in Sri Lanka and to continue Konstas’ development within the side.

However, he still feels that Labuschagne is still one of the best players within the country.

“Maybe I am biased with Marnus,” Paine said on SEN Tassie’s Breakfast.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket with him, I’ve seen the very best of him and for me he is one of the best players in the country.

“Albeit he is a bit out of form at the moment, so maybe this is the right decision to give Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis their opportunity.

“Josh Inglis obviously came in Sri Lanka, scored a 100 and did a fantastic job and has made a winner of every opportunity he has been given to play for Australia in all three formats.

“Hard to argue with his inclusion and we know the talent that is Sam Konstas and what he can potentially be.”

The batting order and final XI will be announced closer to the game which gets started at midnight on June 26.

SEN will be in the West Indies and live streaming every ball of the three Tests.