Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Bailey Defends Labuschagne Retention for Australia’s South Africa Tests
Australia has kept Marnus Labuschagne in its team for three Test matches against South Africa.
Labuschagne has been struggling to score runs and has not made a Test century since 2023.
He scored 36 runs in three innings against Bangladesh.
George Bailey said the selectors want more runs from him but still believe he can help the team.
Bailey also said Labuschagne is not guaranteed a place in the first playing team.
Cooper Connolly was added as a young batting all-rounder and may bat in different positions.
Matthew Kuhnemann was chosen as the second spinner behind Nathan Lyon, while Michael Neser provides pace-bowling cover.
The first Test is scheduled for October 9 in Durban, followed by matches in Gqeberha and Cape Town.
Australia retained Marnus Labuschagne in its 16-member Test squad for the South Africa series beginning October 9.
George Bailey said selectors want more runs from Labuschagne but remain confident he can contribute, although his starting place is not guaranteed.
Labuschagne scored 36 across three innings against Bangladesh and has not made a Test century since 2023.
Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser joined the otherwise unchanged squad, with Kuhnemann preferred to Todd Murphy as the second spinner.
The Tests will be played in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town, with Australia’s pace backups covering Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
- Who
- Australia’s selection panel, led by chief selector George Bailey, selected a 16-member squad including Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser.
- What
- Australia retained Labuschagne for its Test tour of South Africa while adding Connolly, Kuhnemann and Neser to the squad.
- When
- The squad was announced on Monday, and the first Test is scheduled for October 9.
- Where
- The series will be played in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town.
- Why
- Selectors said they still believe Labuschagne can contribute, despite his poor recent form, while Connolly was selected as a long-term batting prospect.
Case for Retention
Concerns and Alternatives
Labuschagne’s squad place
Case for Retention
George Bailey said Australia wants more runs from Labuschagne but remains confident he can make a positive contribution to the 16-member squad.
Concerns and Alternatives
Labuschagne has not scored a Test century since 2023, managed 36 runs against Bangladesh and was omitted from the ODI squad, raising questions about his selection.
First-Test selection
Case for Retention
Retaining Labuschagne gives him time to prepare specifically for red-ball cricket because he will not play in the preceding one-day series.
Concerns and Alternatives
Bailey said Labuschagne is not guaranteed a place in the first XI, leaving room for alternatives in the batting order.
Batting-order options
Case for Retention
Matt Renshaw remains alongside Travis Head at the top, while Cooper Connolly can develop as a middle-order batter who may eventually bat higher.
Concerns and Alternatives
Australia could consider moving Head back to number five, using Steve Smith at number three or giving Josh Inglis and Connolly opportunities in different positions.
- Squad size
- Australia selected a 16-member Test touring party.
- First Test
- The opening match is scheduled for October 9 in Durban.
- Labuschagne’s form
- He scored 1, 31 and 4 against Bangladesh and has not made a Test century since 2023.
- ODI omission
- Labuschagne was left out of Australia’s one-day squads for matches in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
- New selections
- Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser were included.
- Spin choice
- Kuhnemann was preferred to Todd Murphy as the second spinner behind Nathan Lyon.
- Series venues
- The remaining Tests are scheduled for Gqeberha and Cape Town after Durban.
