Australia axe Marnus Labuschagne ahead of first Test against West Indies

Sam Konstas will replace Labuschagne and open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja while Josh Inglis will slot into the middle-order in place of Smith.

Labuschagne has paid the price for a poor run of form in the previous World Test Championship cycle with Kostas in line to earn his third Test cap in Barbados on 25 June.

"Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team," Australia 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."

Smith suffered a compound dislocation to the little finger on his right hand when dropping a chance offered by Temba Bavuma on the third day of the WTC final against South Africa at Lord's.

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.

Inglis will get another opportunity in the longest format after scoring a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier this year.

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

"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."