Labuschagne omitted from Australia's ODI squad
Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia's 17-member squad for the six one-day internationals in Zimbabwe and South Africa, a decision chief selector George Bailey said was specific to the 50-over format.
The squad, announced on Tuesday, will serve as a rehearsal for next year's World Cup, which is scheduled to be staged in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Labuschagne, who played a key role in Australia's 2023 World Cup triumph, has averaged 21.87 in ODIs since the start of 2024, with an unbeaten 77 his highest score in that period.
"We're separating those formats out, so this was a one-day cricket conversation," Bailey said during a video call with reporters, adding that Labuschagne's omission was not a reflection on his Test future. Bailey declined to comment on the batter's position in the longer format, where he has also faced a difficult run of form.
Bailey acknowledged Labuschagne's past contributions but said the current structure of the squad left no room for him. "He's played some really important one-day cricket for us, at his best. That looks a certain way, but the way that squad and team is structuring up, there just wasn't space for him," Bailey said.
World Cup preparation
Bailey stressed the importance of the upcoming tour, noting that the matches would be played at the venues for next year's World Cup. "This is a pretty important tour for us. It's hard to get the link, but Zimbabwe and South Africa, that's where the World Cup will be played late next year," he said.
With limited ODI opportunities before the World Cup, these six matches are particularly significant for players competing for places and roles. "There's not a whole lot of [ODI] games [before that] and the opportunity that is ... awarded to some of those other players to continue building out their roles ... will be really important," Bailey added.
Squad changes and inclusions
Australia have recalled several established players for the tour, including all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, opener Travis Head, and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will join the squad for the three ODIs against South Africa, following the three matches against Zimbabwe.
The selectors have also given opportunities to uncapped players Joel Davies, Oliver Peake, and Cooper Connolly as Australia looks to build depth ahead of the World Cup.
The first ODI of the tour is against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 15. The Test squad for the three-match series in South Africa will be announced later.