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Australia defend handling of Labuschagne selection
Andrew McDonald said selectors will reassess Labuschagne after 49 innings without a Test century and a barren South Africa tour.
- Australia head coach Andrew McDonald indicated Marnus Labuschagne may be dropped for the first home Test against New Zealand in December, confirming selectors must "reassess" his status following a difficult South Africa tour.
- Criticism intensified following Saturday's 176-run defeat in Cape Town, as Labuschagne went without a half-century in 16 Test innings during the series.
- Former Test opener Simon Katich claimed selectors "potentially crucified a bloke's career" by not dropping Labuschagne sooner, though McDonald defended the selections, saying, "Any opportunity that you get to play for Australia, I don't think damages you."
- Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy urged Cricket Australia to approach Ricky Ponting as a potential replacement for McDonald, though early indications suggest McDonald, selection chair George Bailey, and captain Pat Cummins remain in their roles.
- McDonald confirmed Steve Smith is expected to return for the New Zealand series following a neck injury, with the team focused on World Test Championship preparations ahead.
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Sydney Morning Herald+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Coach calls for calm, keeps door ajar for Labuschagne, as Healy turns torch on selectors
Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald has stopped short of declaring Marnus Labuschagne will be dropped for the home Tests against New Zealand, and says he will not finalise contract discussions with Cricket Australia until at least April next year. But outside the team, the calls for change are getting louder.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 22%
11%
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