Last Updated on 9 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey

Marnus Labuschagne will not be considered for selection for the upcoming four-match Test series against New Zealand. Chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed this on Monday, saying it’s important Labuschagne has some space.

Australia backed the struggling Labuschagne for the recently-concluded tour of South Africa. He scored 131 runs in three Tests at 21.83. But it was the manner of his dismissals in Cape Town that highlighted the impact of Labuschagne’s struggles over the past three years.

Marnus Labuschagne dropped: Batsman to miss selection for New Zealand Test matches

Bailey went on the front foot to announce Labuschagne won’t be in the squad. He says the reason is to put speculation to rest.

“I do appreciate upfront that this is a little unusual and I will explain why, but I did want to say today that at this stage we won’t be considering Marn for selection for certainly that first Test but the New Zealand series,” Bailey said, as quoted by CODE Sports.

“The reason I wanted to clear that up is I think there has been a lot of speculation around his place in the team, so this gives him a little bit of space and clears up a bit of conjecture around the next round of Shield cricket.

“We’ll pick the rest of the squad at the completion of round four of Sheffield Shield.”

Said round four of the Sheffield Shield begins on November 11. There are a number of contenders for the number three role, and this round could go a long way to deciding who wins the spot. However, Bailey is mindful of reducing the final selection decision to a “bat-off”.

“I think we’ll be really clear by that stage [end of round four]. I don’t think I’m disclosing too much to say we’ve got some thoughts around what that squad is starting to look like as it is, but it’s nice to be in a position where I think there are still some great opportunities for players coming up,” Bailey said.

“I don’t like the idea of a bat-off or a bowl-off in a one-off game, so I don’t necessarily think it will move the dial an enormous amount, but it certainly still has the potential to.”

The first Test against New Zealand begins on December 9 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.