Australia have announced a 16-player squad for their three-Test series in South Africa, which begins on 9 October 2026. The squad will be led by Pat Cummins, who will continue as captain. The group retains the core of the side that recently faced Bangladesh, while adding all-rounder Cooper Connolly, seamer Michael Neser and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.
Marnus Labuschagne has been kept in the squad despite a prolonged lean spell that has not produced a Test century since July 2023. The batsman was retained on Monday by the team for the tour, having failed to impress the crowd in two home Tests against Bangladesh last month.
Australia names 16-man Test squad for South Africa series
The series, the first between the sides in South Africa since 2018, forms a key part of the World Test Championship cycle. Matches are scheduled for Durban (9–13 October), Gqeberha (18–22 October) and Johannesburg (27–31 October). Australia currently top the WTC table, with South Africa close behind.
The Number three batter, Labuschagne was omitted from the side’s squad for the three-one-dayers in Zimbabwe as well as for another three in South Africa preceding the Tests. However, the player is back in the red-ball tour. Meanwhile, only Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon, Steve Smith and Matt Renshaw have played Test cricket before in South Africa.
Australia’s full 16-man squad for South Africa series
Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
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