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3 Australian Players Who Might Have Played Their Last Match In World Test Championship

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne [Source: @IndySport/x.com]Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne [Source: @IndySport/x.com]

South Africa scripted history at the Lord's as they defeated the Australian team to win the WTC 2025 Final. The Temba Bavuma-led side ended a 27-year drought of the nation for a senior ICC Title. While the whole rainbow nation celebrated this glorious achievement, the scenes were gloom on the other side.

A team which is known as trophy collector in the history of the game, faced a defeat in the final after 15 long years. Australia have shown pedigree in the big matches throughout their history, them losing the final is something that surprised the whole cricketing fraternity.

Much like all other teams, Australia will now look to start the next WTC Cycle with a new energy. There are some changes that we can see in the upcoming cycle. With changes on the horizon, it could be that a few Australian players might have played their last game in the cycle that has gone by. 

3. Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Marsh [Source: @tctv1offl/x.com]Mitchell Marsh [Source: @tctv1offl/x.com]

The Australian hard-hitting batter added depth, dynamism, fire power and variety to the line-up in the purest format of the game. In the WTC 2023-25 cycle, Mitchell Marsh scored 823 runs in 25 matches at an average of 35.78. The numbers look decent, yet there is a chance that we might not see the player playing Test cricket for Australia again. 

Why Will Mitchell Marsh Not Be Selected By Australia?

Lack Of Form: Even though Marsh started the cycle on a great note his form died with time. His Test form dropped off so much that, in the last game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy the management kept him out of the playing XI. The lack of form and the current absence of temperament in his game to play the longest format might not ever see him playing Test cricket again. 

Able Replacement: The management gave Beau Webster a go in Mitchell Marsh's place. The fact that Webster's bowling adds dynamism to the playing XI in Test cricket speaks even more in his favour. Marsh stopped bowling towards the end and hence became a more or less one dimensional asset for the team. On the other hand, Beau Webster with his ability contribute with two trades adds much more value, depth and flexibility.

2. Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja [Source: AP Photos]Usman Khawaja [Source: AP Photos]

One more name that might not again be a part of the team sheet in Test cricket is Usman Khawaja. The Australian opener has more than decent numbers in the WTC 2023-25 cycle. Khawaja scored 1,428 runs in 39 innings at an average of 39.66. 

So, if his numbers are so good, why there might not be a place for him in Test cricket?

Why Will Usman Khawaja Not Be Selected By Australia?

Inconsistency: If you look at Khawaja's recent number, you will find that he has a double hundred just a couple of matches ago. However, big scores have not been followed by enough back performances. This has led to an instability in the Australian top-order and hence there is a chance that the management tries new faces at the top of the order in the longest format of the game. 

1. Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuchagne [Source: AP Photos]Marnus Labuchagne [Source: AP Photos]

When Marnus Labuschagne debuted in Test cricket, the world was overawed by the temperament, patience and grit he showed. However in the last three years, Labuschagne is struggling to find rhythm in the purest and hardest format of the game. 

In WTC 2023-25 Labuschange has scored 974 runs in 38 innings at an average of 27.82. These are numbers which are much below the expectations from a player for Labuschagne's quality.

Why Will Marnus Labuschagne Not Be Selected By Australia?

Long Lasting Lean Patch: Since 2023, Marnus Labuschagne has not averaged over 40 in Test cricket. Even more concerning is the fact that in 2025, he averages only 16.17 in the four matches that he has played. 

Marnus bats in a very important position for Australia in Test cricket, number three. His lack of form at that position is weakening the foundation of the team while building an innings while batting first or second. 

These are things that the management will keep in mind and might not select Marnus Labuschagne again for this format. Instead they might look to back a new face in his place.