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Photograph: (Source: Sports.info)
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On the Qantas Tour of the West Indies, Steve Smith will not play in the first game of the three-test series against the West Indies. Smith's finger injury from the World Test Championship match against South Africa has forced him out. He is still eligible to participate in the second game.
Marnus Labuschagne was dropped. Steve Smith will not be included in Australia's side for the cricket Test match against the West Indies that opens the series next week. Due to a finger injury he suffered during last weekend's World Test Championship final loss to South Africa at Lord's, Cricket Australia announced on Friday that Smith would miss the first game of the three-Test series. For the second Test match against the West Indies, he is anticipated to be healthy.
Smith and Marnus are out of Qantas Tour:
Smith and Marnus Labuschagne would be replaced by wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis and young opener Sam Konstas, according to chief selector George Bailey. He said Smith would be re-evaluated in a week because he needed more time for a wound to heal. Bailey said, "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."
With an almost run-a-ball 60 against India in the Boxing Day test in Melbourne in December, the 19-year-old Konstas, who has only played two tests, made an immediate impression. The 30-year-old Inglis has primarily played short-form cricket for Australia. He made his debut with a century in his only two Test matches, which were in the series victory in Sri Lanka in February.
Bailey added, "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." The starting lineup and batting order will be decided closer to the test's commencement on Wednesday. On July 3, the second test is expected to begin.
Stay tuned for more cricket news.
