Labuschagne dropped as Australia reveal Africa tour squad
Australia have named their One-Day International squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa, with Marnus Labuschagne omitted from the 17-man group. The decision, reported by multiple outlets, comes almost a year before Australia defends its World Cup title in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Labuschagne, who helped Australia win a sixth World Cup in India in 2023 and scored a half-century in the final, has been left out after what several reports describe as a period of poor form. The 32-year-old had been a regular feature of the national ODI team since 2022, but selectors have opted for a squad that includes returning players and several new faces.
According to reports, Labuschagne's omission follows his performance in recent matches, with some coverage noting his struggles since the World Cup final and his dismissal in the last assignment against Bangladesh. He was one of five players dropped from the squad that toured Pakistan and Bangladesh in May and June, along with Matt Short, Ben Dwarshuis, Todd Murphy and Liam Scott.
Returning players and new additions
The squad sees the return of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, opener Travis Head and paceman Josh Hazlewood, all of whom missed Australia's most recent ODI outings against Bangladesh. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will join for the three-match series against South Africa, which follows a similar number of matches in Zimbabwe.
Emerging players Cooper Connolly, Oliver Peake and Joel Davies have been included. Davies, a New South Wales all-rounder, has earned his maiden ODI call-up after impressing during the T20I series against Bangladesh, as reported by Hindustan Times. Peake retains his place, while Connolly remains with the squad following his 149 against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Connolly had been considered for the Australia A tour of India but has been kept with the ODI group.
Pace options and leadership
The squad includes additional pace options in Spencer Johnson and Billy Stanlake. Johnson, a left-arm quick, last played an ODI in early 2025 before returning to the T20I squad in Bangladesh after a lengthy injury absence. Stanlake ended a wait of more than seven years for another international appearance when he played in Rawalpindi, though he did not take a wicket in that outing.
Mitchell Marsh will lead Australia in Zimbabwe, while Pat Cummins, the team's official ODI captain, will join for the South Africa leg. According to Hindustan Times, Cummins and Marsh are expected to share the captaincy in South Africa depending on Cummins' workload.
Tour schedule and World Cup preparation
Australia's tour begins against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 15, with the series also scheduled for September 18 and 20. The three ODIs against South Africa are set for September 24 in Durban, September 27 in Johannesburg and September 30 in Potchefstroom, as reported by Hindustan Times. Australia will also play three Tests in South Africa in October.
The six ODIs are being treated as an important part of preparations for the 2027 World Cup, which will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Australia are reigning ODI world champions following their win over India in Ahmedabad in 2023.
Australia ODI squad
The squad: Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only), Adam Zampa.