Marnus Labuschagne omitted from Australia’s 17-man ODI squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa tours
Australia left Marnus Labuschagne out of a 17-member One-Day International squad announced for a six-match tour of Africa, with three ODIs against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 15, 18 and 20 and three against South Africa in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom on September 24, 27 and 30. Mitchell Marsh will captain the side for the Zimbabwe leg while Pat Cummins is set to return for the South Africa matches.
With the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 approaching, teams are experimenting with combinations and Australia view the African assignments as preparation for tournament conditions. Australia enter the tour as reigning 50-over world champions after winning their sixth World Cup title in 2023. Selectors said they are seeking a balance of experience and youth as they build toward the next World Cup and the squad announcement reflects that approach. The tour schedule gives the selected players match exposure in venues and dates announced by Cricket Australia.
Labuschagne’s exclusion was the most notable omission from the squad; the right-handed batter had a role in Australia’s 2023 World Cup final victory over India but has been left out ahead of World Cup preparations. The selectors pointed to his recent form, stating his Test form has been awful recently, and noting he has averaged only 21.87 across his last 18 ODI innings. That combination of recent Test struggles and a low ODI average factored into the decision to omit him from the touring party.
The squad includes several young players selected to gain international experience, with Joel Davies, Oliver Peake and Cooper Connolly named among the 17. Selectors said they have shown faith in these promising cricketers rather than relying solely on senior incumbents. The inclusion of those youngsters is intended to provide options for Australia’s middle order and to expand the pool of players considered ahead of the World Cup campaign.
Notable returns to the ODI squad are Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, both of whom missed recent series in Pakistan and Bangladesh and are now available for selection on the African tour. The announcement also notes the return of Australia’s big three fast bowlers ahead of the South Africa series, described by selectors as the biggest positive from the squad naming. Mitchell Starc is confirmed to feature only in the South African leg of the tour.
Australia named the full 17-member squad as: Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only) and Adam Zampa. The selected group combines returning established players and the younger names identified for development in ODI conditions. The squad list was released as part of Cricket Australia’s official tour announcement.
The tour opens with three ODIs in Harare on September 15, 18 and 20 against Zimbabwe before the Australians travel for three matches in South Africa on September 24, 27 and 30 in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.