South Africa vs Australia: Marnus Labuschagne retained as Australia name 16-member squad for Test Series

Australia have announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming three-Test tour of South Africa, which starts from October 9.

Marnus Labuschagne's selection was one of the biggest talking points after he was recently left out of Australia's ODI squad for the southern Africa tour. The right-hander has not scored a Test century since July 2023 and has averaged below 30 across 22 matches since the beginning of that year.

The selectors, however, have opted to back Labuschagne for the red-ball assignment. He will be part of a batting group featuring Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw and Cooper Connolly, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster provide all-round options.

The squad also sees three additions from the group that played the recent home series against Bangladesh. Connolly, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and experienced pacer Michael Neser have been included. Neser returns after recovering from a calf injury.

Chair of selectors George Bailey explained the thinking behind the selection, saying: "This is a reasonably condensed three-game series, on the back of six one-day internationals, with only short breaks between each game."

Australia's pace attack remains a major strength, with captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland all included. Nathan Lyon will lead the spin department, with Kuhnemann offering a second specialist spin option.

SA vs AUS Test Series Schedule

The first Test will be played in Durban from October 9-13, followed by Tests in Gqeberha from October 18-22 and Johannesburg from October 27-31.

The series carries considerable significance in the World Test Championship cycle. Australia currently sit top of the WTC standings, while defending champions South Africa are second. The two sides last met in the 2025 WTC final at Lord's, where South Africa defeated Australia to claim the title.

Australia Test squad vs South Africa

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.