Labuschagne Retained As Australia Announce Squad For South Africa Tests

Australia have kept faith with Marnus Labuschagne for their upcoming Test series against South Africa. The batter remains part of the 16-man squad despite questions over his place in the team, while Cooper Connolly, Michael Neser and Matthew Kuhnemann have also been added to the group.

Most of the squad comes from the side that featured in Australia’s latest Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, with 13 players from that match making the cut again. Labuschagne’s selection means he will get another opportunity at No. 3, even though his position had come under increasing pressure in recent weeks.

“We’re not shying away from the fact that we’d like some more runs from Marn. That’s clear,” said Australia chair of selectors, George Bailey.

“But we’re also confident that he can still make a positive contribution to that squad. I think Marn will continue to prepare and refine how he will prepare for this series. There’s potentially a simplification or an ability to focus purely on red-ball cricket for him in the fact that he won’t be in the one-day series leading up to it.” added George Bailey.

Connolly has been brought into the squad to give Australia another option in the batting order. He caught the selectors’ attention during the ODI series against Bangladesh in June, when he hit an impressive century while opening the innings.

“He’s a good player, and one I think that’s going to continue to develop across formats. Every time that we’ve had him on tour, he’s a good learner. He’s keen to expand his game.” said George Bailey.

“I think he will be able to. Whether that’s now, whether that’s in the future. He’s still so young in his career, but I think his ability to bat in a range of positions will continue to grow as he gets more and more experience.” added George Bailey.

Meanwhile, Matthew Kuhnemann has also earned a place in the squad as extra cover for the spin department.

The left-arm spinner was with Australia during the 2025 World Test Championship final against South Africa and the following tour of the West Indies. However, he was not picked for the Ashes later that year. Todd Murphy was chosen instead as Nathan Lyon’s backup, although Murphy did not eventually feature in the series.

It is unlikely that Australia will play two spinners in South Africa. If the pitches in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town offer plenty of help for fast bowlers, Australia could even go with a pace-heavy attack.

Australia Test Squad for South Africa Series

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster.