Published on: Sep 7, 2026 4:31 pm IST|Updated on: Sep 7, 2026 4:31 pm IST
Cricket Australia has announced a 16-man Test squad for its upcoming tour of South Africa, set to kick off on September 24. Marnus Labuschagne has been the talking point of the 16-man squad, as the 32-year-old right-hand batter has retained his place in the squad despite a torrid run in red-ball cricket over the past three years.
The 32-year-old right-hand batter who represents Queensland in Australia’s domestic circuit has endured a lean patch in red-ball cricket for quite long now. Having not registered a single ton across formats since July 2023, Marnus’ recent performance in the home Test series against Bangladesh, registering scores of 1, 31, and 4, further fueled speculation regarding his place in the playing XI.
His torrid patch is something aggressively talked about by cricket pundits and critics, but Cricket Australia national selection panel, led by George Bailey, has backed the 32-year-old right-hander. Addressing his call to retain the right-hand batter, George was transparent about the expectations surrounding his form.
“We are not shying away from the fact that we’d like some more runs from Marnus. Our batting group in its entirety, not just Marnus, probably hasn’t been functioning as successfully as we would like, but also not shying away from the fact that we’ve continued to win a lot of Test matches over that period.”
When asked if the upcoming series would serve as a final opportunity for the batter, Bailey noted:
“No, I wouldn’t say that. But again, it’s a hypothetical, isn’t it?”
While Labuschagne has retained his spot in the squad, the selection committee has added some alternatives for the No. 3 spot in the form of Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly. The left-hander Connolly, who made his Test debut in Sri Lanka last year, has returned to the squad. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis, who has been Australia’s backup keeper in Tests, could find a new slot at no. 3.
Speaking on Connolly’s potential role, Bailey remarked:
“His overall development will continue to expand his ability to bat in a range of positions”.
Besides Connolly, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and experienced pace-bowling all-rounder Michael Neser have also returned to the squad after missing out on a berth in the home Test series against Bangladesh. Also, Jake Weatherald who opened in the first Test against Bangladesh and was dropped in the following game, hasn’t found a place in the squad, meaning Matt Renshaw will partner Travis Head at the top.
Take a look at the complete squad-
Australia Test Squad: Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
The Australia tour of South Africa 2026 will comprise 3 ODIs and 3 Tests. Check the full schedule below.
The upcoming tour carries immense historic significance beyond the World Test Championship points at stake. It marks Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the controversial 2018 series, which was overshadowed by the infamous David Warner, Steven Smith, and Cameron Bancroft’s ball-tampering scandal.