Labuschagne Retained as Australia Name 16-Man Test Squad for South Africa Tour

Marnus Labuschagne has retained his place in Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming three-match series in South Africa, despite mounting pressure over his prolonged run of poor form.

Australia have named a 16-man squad for the tour, with Cooper Connolly, Michael Neser and Matthew Kuhnemann added to the group that featured in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay.

Labuschagne remains Australia’s preferred No. 3 despite averaging just 24.69 across his last 43 Test innings without scoring a century since July 2023. His latest Test scores against Bangladesh — 1, 31 and 4 — further intensified questions over his position.

The batter has also been left out of Australia’s ODI squads for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, meaning he will be able to focus exclusively on red-ball preparation ahead of the Test series.

Selectors Back Labuschagne

Australia chair of selectors George Bailey acknowledged that Labuschagne needs to produce more runs but said the selectors remain confident in his ability to contribute.

“We’re not shying away from the fact that we’d like some more runs from Marn,” Bailey said. “But we’re also confident that he can still make a positive contribution to that squad.”

Bailey suggested that Labuschagne’s absence from the preceding one-day matches could benefit him by allowing him to concentrate entirely on Test cricket.

The South Africa series could therefore represent an important opportunity for Labuschagne to rebuild his form and secure his long-term position in Australia’s Test middle order.

Connolly Earns Test Squad Call-Up

Young allrounder Cooper Connolly is the other batter added to the squad.

Connolly does not yet have a first-class century and has limited experience batting in the top order, having batted at No. 3 and No. 4 only once each in his 21 first-class innings.

However, his impressive progress across formats has caught the selectors’ attention. He scored a stunning ODI century against Bangladesh in June after opening the innings.

Bailey believes Connolly has the ability to develop into a top-three Test batter.

“He's a good player, and one I think that's going to continue to develop across formats,” Bailey said.

“His ability to bat in a range of positions will continue to grow as he gets more and more experience.”

Josh Inglis has also been included as a reserve batter and wicketkeeper, with Bailey confident that he could also fill a top-three role if required.

Head-Smith Batting Order Remains Under Discussion

Australia could also consider changes to the top order during the South Africa tour.

Travis Head and Matthew Renshaw are currently the only specialist openers in the squad, with Renshaw retaining his place after replacing Jake Weatherald during the Bangladesh series.

However, selectors could consider moving Head back to No. 5 and promoting Steve Smith to No. 3, a position Smith occupied successfully for much of his career.

Bailey said both possibilities remained open, while acknowledging that changing the batting order could affect the balance of the side.

“Any time you do make a move, it’s what are you taking away from where they are performing,” Bailey said.

Head has enjoyed significant success as an opener but was also highly productive at No. 5, while Smith has extensive experience batting at first drop.

Kuhnemann Added as Spin Option

Matthew Kuhnemann is another notable inclusion after missing out on the Ashes squad last year.

The left-arm spinner was previously part of Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship final against South Africa and the subsequent West Indies tour in 2025.

Kuhnemann is unlikely to play alongside Nathan Lyon in South Africa, where conditions are generally expected to favour pace. Australia could even opt for an all-seam attack if conditions in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town heavily favour fast bowlers.

His presence, however, will provide valuable preparation for Australia’s batters ahead of their contest against South Africa’s experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.

Neser Returns After Injury

Michael Neser has also been recalled after recovering from a calf strain suffered during a training camp in August.

He joins Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland as Australia’s fifth specialist fast-bowling option.

Cameron Green and Beau Webster remain the squad’s two allrounders.

With the selectors retaining much of the group that played against Bangladesh, Australia will head to South Africa with a largely settled squad but several important selection questions still to be answered before the first Test.

Australia Test Squad for South Africa Tour

• Pat Cummins (captain)

• 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
• Beau Webster