Daijiworld Media Network – Sydney
Sydney, Sep 1: Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, with his place in the Test side also set to be decided ahead of the South Africa series.
Labuschagne struggled during Australia’s recent tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh before scoring an unbeaten 55 in the final ODI after being moved down the batting order. However, the return of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, along with the selectors’ decision to back younger players, has resulted in Labuschagne missing out on the ODI squad.
The Test squad for the South Africa series is expected to be announced next week. Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey said selections across formats were being considered independently.
New South Wales all-rounder Joel Davies is in line to make his ODI debut after impressing during the T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this year. Left-hander Ollie Peake has also been included for another opportunity at international level.
Pat Cummins, Australia’s official ODI captain, and Mitchell Starc will join the squad for the South African leg of the tour ahead of the three-match Test series in October. Josh Hazlewood will feature in both ODI series.
Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia in Zimbabwe, while Marsh and Cummins will share the captaincy in South Africa depending on Cummins’ availability.
Australia have also strengthened their pace attack with the inclusion of Spencer Johnson and Billy Stanlake. Johnson returns to the ODI squad after his most recent appearance in the format in early 2025, while Stanlake returns after making his international comeback during the tour of Pakistan.
The six-match ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa will form part of Australia’s preparations for next year’s World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“This six-game series is an important lead-in to next year’s World Cup, being played in the same countries,” Bailey said.
The Zimbabwe ODIs will be played in Harare on September 15, 18 and 20, followed by the South Africa series on September 24, 27 and 30 in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.