In a significant decision ahead of the Test series against South Africa, Australia has included Marnus Labuschagne in their 16-player squad, despite his recent exclusion from the ODI lineup for the series against Zimbabwe and South Africa. This choice reflects the selectors' faith in Labuschagne's ability to rebound from a slump in form, while also acknowledging the need for potential alternatives should he continue to struggle.
Labuschagne's recent performances have raised eyebrows, with his last Test century coming during the 2023 Ashes series in Manchester. His subsequent outings against Bangladesh yielded disappointing scores of four, one, and 31, further intensifying scrutiny over his batting capabilities. Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, has publicly supported Labuschagne, emphasizing his belief that the 32-year-old can still contribute positively to the team. "We are not shying away from the fact that we'd like some more runs from Marnus," Bailey stated, underscoring the collective need for improvement within the batting lineup.
While Labuschagne remains in the squad, selectors have also named potential replacements, including Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis. Connolly, who made his Test debut in 2025 against Sri Lanka, has shown promise in first-class cricket, amassing 800 runs in 13 innings, although he has yet to score a century. His recent inclusion in the ODI squad, following a century against Bangladesh, has bolstered his credentials as a viable option for the No. 3 position.
Inglis, who has yet to make a Test appearance this year, was part of the squad for the Bangladesh Tests but has not had the opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage recently. Bailey expressed confidence in both Connolly and Inglis, noting their potential to perform at the top of the order. "He's a good player, and one I think that's going to continue to develop across formats," Bailey said of Inglis, highlighting his adaptability and eagerness to learn.
Additionally, there have been discussions regarding the possibility of Steve Smith returning to the No. 3 spot, a position he has occupied for much of his career. Bailey did not dismiss this option, indicating that it would be a topic of conversation as the series approaches. "Steve has batted at three for a large part of his career," he noted, acknowledging Smith's past success in that role.
As Australia prepares for the upcoming three-match ODI series followed by the Test series against South Africa, the team is looking to solidify its batting order. The first Test is scheduled to commence on October 9 in Durban, followed by matches in Gqeberha and Johannesburg on October 18 and 27, respectively. The squad for the Tests includes notable players such as Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, and Nathan Lyon, among others, with the hope that Labuschagne can regain his form and contribute significantly to the team's success.
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