Australia names Test squad, retains Labuschagne

Australia has named its 16-player Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, retaining batsman Marnus Labuschagne despite a recent dip in form. The squad, announced on Monday, September 7, 2026, will embark on Australia's first Test series in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Labuschagne, who was the International Cricket Council's top-ranked Test batter in 2023, has struggled for runs in the period since. His recent performances include scores of 1, 31, and 4 in the home series against Bangladesh, and he averaged 25 during last summer's Ashes series. His last Test century came during the 2023 Ashes. Despite calls for his exclusion, selectors have kept faith in the 32-year-old, who was not selected for the preceding one-day international component of the tour. Joining the squad are three new faces: all-rounder Cooper Connolly, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, and fast bowler Michael Neser. Connolly, who has one Test cap from his debut in Sri Lanka last year, offers batting and spin options. Kuhnemann provides a second spin choice alongside veteran Nathan Lyon, while Neser returns to the squad after missing the Bangladesh fixtures due to a calf injury.