Australia retain Labuschagne for test series in South Africa

Marnus Labuschagne remains Australia's choice at number three, despite a poor run that has raised questions about his international future. The top-order batsman made only 36 runs across three innings in the Bangladesh series, yet selectors kept him in the 16-man squad for next month's three-test tour of South Africa.

Labuschagne lost his place in Australia's one-day squad for the southern Africa tour last week. He will, however, travel to Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town for tests in October. Born in South Africa, the right-hander has a stronger record there, a factor that has helped preserve his place after his struggles against Bangladesh.

Australia also added all-rounder Cooper Connolly, paceman Michael Neser and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. Matthew Renshaw retained his place after replacing Jake Weatherald as Travis Head's opening partner for the second test against Bangladesh. Australia lost the opening test at home before recovering to level that series.

“

This is a reasonably condensed three-game series, on the back of six one-day internationals, with only short breaks between each game.

Chief selector George Bailey said the squad needed to cover a demanding schedule and varied conditions. “This is a reasonably condensed three-game series, on the back of six one-day internationals, with only short breaks between each game,” Bailey said in a news release. “The squad provides balance and options for each test and the variety of conditions we may face.”

The series starts at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on October 9. It will be the first test series between Australia and South Africa in South Africa since the infamous ball-tampering affair of 2018. The squad also includes captain Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster.

“

The squad provides balance and options for each test and the variety of conditions we may face.