Australia retain Labuschagne in 16-player Test squad for South Africa
Australia named Marnus Labuschagne in their South Africa Test squad on 7 September 2026, adding Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser for the three-match series.
In short
- Australia named Marnus Labuschagne in their South Africa Test squad on 7 September 2026, adding Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser for the three-match series.
Australia retained Marnus Labuschagne in a 16-player Test squad announced on 7 September 2026 for a three-match tour of South Africa, despite the batter’s recent difficulty scoring runs.
Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser join the players selected for Australia’s most recent Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. Pat Cummins will captain the touring side.
Labuschagne scored 1, 31 and 4 in the Bangladesh series and was left out of the squad for the preceding one-day internationals. His Test selection keeps him in contention for the longer format, with preparations including a warm-up match in Potchefstroom.
Selection chair George Bailey said the squad offered options for differing conditions during a compact series, according to Cricket Australia. The Guardian reported that selectors could also consider changes to the batting order, including a move to No 3 for Steve Smith; no such change has been confirmed.
The first Test begins in Durban on 9 October 2026. Gqeberha hosts the second from 18 October, followed by Cape Town from 27 October.
