Australia Names 16-Member Squad for Test Series Against South Africa, Marnus Labuschagne Retained
SYDNEY: The 16-man squad for the next three-match Test series against South Africa has been officially released by Cricket Australia. Middle-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne has been able to hold on to his place in the squad despite being savaged in the past few matches and battling a long formless run of form.
Since July 2023, Labuschagne has not made his mark with the bat, averaging 24.69 over 43 innings in Test cricket. He did not find it easy in the recent series against Bangladesh either, putting on just 1, 31 and 4 in the three innings.
The squad boasts some fresh faces as well as a return of two exciting options, in the form of fast bowler Michael Neser and spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. Also, Matt Renshaw has been kept on and is a strong favorite to bat first with Travis Head.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey said the balanced side would be designed to give tactical flexibility to deal with the tough environment expected on the tour to South Africa.