West Indies vs Australia 1st Test Series Preview: Marnus Labuschagne Dropped, Steve Smith Injured

Australia have chosen to drop Marnus Labuschagne for next week's first Test against the West Indies, while Steve Smith also misses out due to injury. 

Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis have come in to replace the pair as Australia look to respond to their World Test Championship final defeat to South Africa last week. 

During the recent World Test Championship cycle, Labuschagne scored 974 runs at 27.82, with just one century in 38 innings.

He hasn't reached triple figures in his 30 most recent Test knocks and contributed scores of just 17 and 22 from both his innings against South Africa at Lord's. 

"Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team," chair of selectors George Bailey said. "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."

Konstas will earn his third cap having not featured since his two outings against India, which began with his 60 off 65 balls on debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

Inglis scored a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier this year.

But there is no place for Smith, who suffered a compound dislocation in his right hand when dropping a chance offered by Temba Bavuma on the third day of the WTC final. 

He avoided surgery but has to wear a splint for eight weeks. However, there is hope he will be able to play later in the West Indies series.

"Steve needs more time for the wound to heal so we'll give him another week's rest and assess his functionality after that," 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.

"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."