Australia Retain Labuschagne for Test Series in South Africa
Selectors kept Marnus Labuschagne after lean recent scores and named Cooper Connolly in a 16-man squad with three spin options.
- On Monday, Australia's selectors named a 16-man squad for the three-Test tour of South Africa beginning October 9, retaining top-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne despite recent poor form.
- Labuschagne's international future faced scrutiny following middling performances, including scoring just 35 runs in three innings against Bangladesh, with his average this year standing at 24.20.
- Selectors added all-rounder Cooper Connolly, paceman Michael Neser, and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann to the squad; Connolly averages 42 in first-class cricket from 13 matches after debuting against Sri Lanka last year.
- The three-Test series marks Australia's first visit to South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering affair; Chair of selectors George Bailey said the squad provides "balance and options for each test."
- Play commences at Durban's Kingsmead Stadium on October 9, with the tour continuing through matches in Gqeberha and Cape Town throughout the month.
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27 Articles
Australia announce squad for South Africa Tests: Marnus Labuschagne survives, Cooper Connolly earns surprise inclusion
Marnus Labuschagne has retained his place in Australia’s Test squad for the South Africa series, receiving continued support from selectors despite facing challenges in recent matches. Three fresh faces are introduced to the 16-member roster, enhancing Australia's mix of skills. This series is significant as it marks their first Test visit to South Africa since 2018, with the squad designed to adapt to diverse conditions.
Australia Announce Squad for South Africa Test Tour; Labuschagne Retains Place Despite Lean Run
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. It will mark their first meeting since last year's World Test Championship Final at Lord's and will be pivotal in deciding which sides reach next year's decider at The Oval, as per the ICC. Sports News | Australia Announce Squad for South Africa Test Tour; Labuschagne Retains Place Despite Lean Run.
Australia announce squad for South Africa Test tour; Labuschagne retains place despite lean run - The Tribune
It will mark their first meeting since last year's World Test Championship Final at Lord's and will be pivotal in deciding which sides reach next year's decider at The Oval, as per the ICC.
Under-fire Labuschagne named in Australia Test squad for South Africa
Number three Labuschagne has failed to score a century since 2023 and flopped again in two home Tests against Bangladesh last month with scores of one, 31 and four. He was subsequently axed from Australia's squad for three one-dayers in Zimbabwe and another three in South Africa preceding the Tests. But selectors opted against a red-ball change for what will be the team's first Test series in South Africa since the infamous "Sandpapergate" ball-…
Australia retain Labuschagne for test series in South Africa
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