started · updated
Australia names Test squad for South Africa tour
Australia has announced its 16-man Test squad for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa, starting October 9. The selection has drawn significant attention due to the retention of Marnus Labuschagne, who has struggled with form and has not scored a Test century since July 2023. Despite his recent low scores against Bangladesh, chief selector George Bailey expressed confidence that Labuschagne can still make a “positive contribution” to the squad.
The touring party, led by Pat Cummins, includes several new additions: Cooper Connolly, Michael Neser, and Matthew Kuhnemann. The series, which takes place in Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, marks Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
In related cricket news, South Africa has named its ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia beginning September 24. The Proteas squad features the return of captain Temba Bavuma and senior players David Miller and Quinton de Kock. Gerald Coetzee also returns to the ODI side to bolster the bowling attack in the absence of Kagiso Rabada.
Entities
Australia men's cricket team · Australia national cricket team · Cooper Connolly · Cricket Australia · George Bailey · Marnus Labuschagne · Pat Cummins · South Africa
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The three-Test series against South Africa is scheduled to begin on October 9 in Durban. www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Marnus Labuschagne was included in the squad despite not scoring a Test century since the 2023 Ashes. www.sportingnews.com · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Australian selectors named a 16-man Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. www.sportingnews.com · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jake Weatherald was omitted from the squad in favor of Matthew Renshaw. www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Michael Neser were added to the Test squad. www.sportingnews.com