Australia A team has announced a series squad vs India A for the Zimbabwe and South Africa tours. Meanwhile, a notable absence from the squad has taken fans by storm. Star batsman Marnus Labuschagne has been omitted, as per a report by Cricbuzz, and it has raised serious questions about his future.
The decision comes after a prolonged period of poor form in the 50-over format. Labuschagne has struggled for runs in recent outings, including a lean spell that saw him average well below 15 across his last several innings.
Australia announces ODI squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa tours; star batter loses spot
Selectors appear to be prioritising other middle-order options as Australia begins serious preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The team will be led by Mitchell Marsh in Zimbabwe, while Pat Cummins will join the team for the South Africa leg. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh are also returning.
Australia is scheduled to play three ODIs in Zimbabwe starting mid-September, followed by a three-match series in South Africa later that month. These fixtures offer valuable match practice and opportunities for players to stake claims for World Cup places.
Labuschagne remains a key figure in Australia’s Test plans, though he has also faced scrutiny in the longer format. His exclusion from the white-ball side marks a notable shift as the team looks to refresh its ODI batting lineup.
Australia squad for ODI
Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (SA), Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (SA), Adam Zampa
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