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Australia have announced a 16-member Test squad for their upcoming three-match series against South Africa, with Marnus Labuschagne retaining his place despite a prolonged lean run with the bat. The tour will mark Australia's first Test visit to South Africa since the infamous 2018 ball-tampering saga.
The squad also features the return of Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser, while Matthew Renshaw has kept his place after replacing Jake Weatherald during the recent Bangladesh series. Six members of the current squad were connected to Australia's 2018 South Africa tour, although Renshaw was added only for the fourth Test after the ball-tampering scandal.
Australia vs South Africa: 6 Players From 2018 Ball-Tampering Saga Return
Australia's return to South Africa will bring memories of the 2018 series back into focus. Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc were part of Australia's campaign that year, while Renshaw was recalled for the fourth and final Test after Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were suspended.
Renshaw was not part of Australia's original touring squad but was flown to Johannesburg after the scandal and subsequently played in the fourth Test. He opened alongside Joe Burns in that match.
Smith is the most prominent name from that episode. He was Australia's captain when the ball-tampering incident occurred in Cape Town and was subsequently suspended. Cummins, Hazlewood, Lyon and Starc were also part of the 2018 squad and will now return to the country for another Test series.
Australia lost that 2018 series 3-1, with the third Test in Cape Town becoming the centre of the ball-tampering controversy. The 2026 series will begin in Durban before moving to Gqeberha and Cape Town.
Marnus Labuschagne gets another Test lifeline
Labuschagne has received another opportunity to revive his Test career after selectors decided against dropping him from the squad. The No. 3 batter was recently left out of Australia's ODI squad, but his Test place has been retained despite a difficult run of form.
The batter has not scored a Test century since July 2023 and has averaged only 24.69 across his last 43 Test innings. His latest series against Bangladesh produced scores of 1, 31 and 4, increasing the pressure on his position.
However, chief selector George Bailey believes Labuschagne can still make a positive contribution. Being left out of the ODI leg also means he can concentrate exclusively on preparing for the red-ball series in South Africa.
Labuschagne has been Australia's established No. 3 since breaking into the Test side during the 2019 Ashes.
Cooper Connolly’s selection and what it means for Australia’s batting order
Connolly's inclusion is one of the most interesting aspects of the squad. The young batter has only one Test appearance to his name, but his recent batting performances have strengthened his case for a bigger role.
His standout moment came in June when he struck 149 against Bangladesh in an ODI. His selection also underlines Australia's long-term plans for him, with Bailey indicating that Connolly could eventually bat in the top three.
Connolly has previously been used as a lower-order batter and support spinner, although a back problem has limited his bowling recently. His bowling workload will need to be managed and potentially rebuilt before he can be considered a genuine all-round option. His presence also creates another option if Australia decide to change their top order.
Australia Test squad for South Africa series:
Pat Cummins (c), 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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