Australia Drop Marnus Labuschagne From ODI Squad for Africa Tour

Australia have dropped Marnus Labuschagne from their one-day international squad for upcoming series in Zimbabwe and South Africa, creating fresh uncertainty around the batter’s white-ball future. The Guardian reported that selectors named a 17-player group for six ODIs later in September, with the tour being used to prepare for next year’s World Cup in the same region.

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Labuschagne was among five players omitted from the team that faced Bangladesh in Australia’s most recent ODI in June. Chair of selectors George Bailey said the decision was specific to the 50-over side and reflected the limited number of matches available before the World Cup, as well as the need to give other players time to establish their roles.

Bailey said Labuschagne had played important ODI cricket for Australia at his best, but there was no place for him within the current structure of the squad. His exclusion comes as selectors continue to provide opportunities to younger players, including 19-year-old Victorian batter Oliver Peake and 22-year-old New South Wales all-rounder Joel Davies.

The ODI decision does not automatically remove Labuschagne from contention for Australia’s Test tour of South Africa. Bailey said the red-ball selection remained a separate matter, with the Test squad due to be announced in the coming weeks. The first of three Tests against South Africa is scheduled for October 9.

Labuschagne returned to Australia’s Test side after a strong start to the Sheffield Shield season before the most recent Ashes series, but his international returns have remained under scrutiny. The Guardian reported that he averaged 25 during that Ashes campaign and then made scores of 1, 31 and 4 in the Tests against Bangladesh. He will not play for Queensland before selectors name the South Africa Test squad.

The ODI squad includes Mitch Marsh, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis and Adam Zampa. Pat Cummins will captain and join only for the South Africa leg, while Mitchell Starc is also listed for South Africa only. Bailey said selectors are still assessing expected conditions and player fitness before finalising the separate Test group, leaving Labuschagne’s immediate red-ball position undecided.