Australia have retained Marnus Labuschagne in their 16-member Test squad for the upcoming three-match series in South Africa, despite the batter's prolonged struggle for runs. Chair of selectors George Bailey said the team remains confident that Labuschagne can still make a positive contribution.
Labuschagne's selection comes after another difficult series against Bangladesh last month. He scored just 36 runs across three innings — 1, 31 and 4 — as the two-Test series ended 1-1. His last Test century came in July 2023 during the Ashes in England.
Bailey acknowledged that Australia would like to see more runs from the right-hander but stressed that the team's batting struggles have been broader than one player.
“We're not shying away from the fact that we'd like some more runs from Marnus. That's clear, but we're also confident that he can still make a positive contribution to that squad,” Bailey said.
The selectors, however, have not guaranteed that Labuschagne will walk straight into the playing XI. Josh Inglis and young all-rounder Cooper Connolly are also part of the squad and provide alternatives in the batting group. Bailey indicated that there is still considerable time before the first Test for the final combination to be decided.
One factor that could work in Labuschagne's favour is that he has been left out of Australia's ODI squad for the upcoming white-ball fixtures in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Bailey believes the absence of the one-day schedule could allow Labuschagne to concentrate entirely on preparing for red-ball cricket.
“I think there's potentially a simplification or an ability to focus purely on red-ball cricket for him,” Bailey said, adding that Labuschagne would prepare specifically for the South Africa tour.
Australia have also added Connolly, spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and seamer Michael Neser to the squad. The full 16-player group will be led by Pat Cummins and includes senior figures such as Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa series schedule
The first Test will be played in Durban from October 9 to 13, followed by the second Test in Gqeberha from October 18 to 22. The third Test is scheduled for Johannesburg from October 27 to 31.The series is particularly significant in the World Test Championship cycle, with Australia currently occupying first place in the standings and South Africa in second. It will also be Australia's first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.For Labuschagne, the tour presents another opportunity to revive his Test career. He has never played a Test in South Africa, despite being born there and spending the first 10 years of his life in the countryFor now, the selectors have chosen continuity over a major change at No. 3. Whether Labuschagne converts that vote of confidence into a place in Australia's XI — and, more importantly, into runs — will become clearer as the tour approaches.
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