1 hr ago
Bailey backs Labuschagne as Australia name South Africa Test squad
Australia chose to keep Marnus Labuschagne in its Test team for the tour of South Africa.
Labuschagne has not scored a Test century for almost three years.
George Bailey said the selectors want more runs from him but still believe he can help the team.
Labuschagne will be able to focus only on red-ball cricket before the tour because he is not in the one-day squad.
Young player Cooper Connolly was also selected after scoring a Test century against Bangladesh.
Connolly is mainly expected to play as a batter, but he can also bowl if conditions require it.
Matt Renshaw will continue opening with Travis Head for now.
Australia is still discussing whether Head, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis or Connolly could bat in other positions.
Australia selector George Bailey backed Marnus Labuschagne to contribute during the Test tour of South Africa.
Labuschagne has not scored a Test century in nearly three years and was recently dropped from Australia's ODI team.
Australia selected Cooper Connolly in the 16-member squad after his multi-format development and Test century against Bangladesh.
Matt Renshaw remains alongside Travis Head at the top of the batting order.
Bailey said Australia could still consider Head, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis and Connolly in different batting positions.
- Who
- Australia's selection panel, led by George Bailey, selected a 16-member squad including Marnus Labuschagne and Cooper Connolly.
- What
- Australia retained Labuschagne and announced its Test touring party for South Africa.
- Where
- The series will begin in Durban, South Africa.
- When
- The Test series is scheduled to begin on October 9.
- Why
- Bailey said the selectors remain confident Labuschagne can make a positive contribution despite his recent lack of runs.
Selection Case
Concerns and Alternatives
Retaining Marnus Labuschagne
Selection Case
George Bailey said Australia wants more runs from Labuschagne but remains confident he can make a positive contribution.
Concerns and Alternatives
Labuschagne's lack of a Test century for nearly three years and his recent ODI omission raise questions about retaining him.
Batting-order structure
Selection Case
Matt Renshaw and Travis Head can remain at the top, while Head's success as an opener supports keeping him there.
Concerns and Alternatives
Australia may eventually move Head back to number five, promote Steve Smith to number three, or give Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly opportunities in different positions.
Key facts
- Touring squad
- Australia selected a 16-member Test party.
- Series start
- The South Africa Tests are scheduled to start on October 9.
- Marnus Labuschagne
- He has not scored a Test century in nearly three years.
- Recent selection
- Labuschagne was recently left out of Australia's ODI team.
- Cooper Connolly
- He scored a Test century against Bangladesh in June.
- Opening combination
- Matt Renshaw remains alongside Travis Head at the top of the order.
Quotes
George Bailey
Australia chair of selectors
“There's potentially a simplification or an ability to focus purely on red-ball cricket for him in the fact that he won't be in the one-day series leading up to it. So that may be a benefit. I'm not sure around that. He'll prepare incredibly well, and specifically for this tour. In that squad of 16, I'm confident that he can still make a positive contribution.”
thehansindia.com
“We not shying away from the fact that we'd like some more runs from 'Marn'. That's clear, but we're also confident that that he can still make a positive contribution to that squad.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
Labuschagne Retained Despite Poor Form For South Africa Tests
Ponting Calls Labuschagne’s Australia Test Place Almost Untenable
Cummins Withholds Labuschagne Guarantee as Carey Offers Support
Ian Chappell Slams Australian Selectors After Bangladesh Test Loss
Australia Recall Marsh and Head, Drop Labuschagne for ODI Tour
Renshaw to Open as Lyon Retains Spot for Bangladesh Test
BIBA Opens First Australian Store, Expanding Indian Fashion Abroad
Duolingo Launches English Course for Punjabi Speakers Worldwide
India and Australia Explore Opportunities for Broader Bilateral Cooperation
