Marnus Labuschagne left out of Australia’s ODI squads for Zimbabwe and South Africa

Marnus Labuschagne has been omitted from Australia’s 17-man one-day international squad for September’s tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa after struggling to secure a regular place in the side.

Labuschagne found it difficult to establish himself during Australia’s ODI fixtures in Bangladesh and Pakistan in June. He made 55 batting down the order in one match, but that score came after a run of low returns.

Australia will play three ODIs in Zimbabwe before facing South Africa in a further three-match series. The six matches are viewed as important preparation for the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Australia’s official ODI captain Pat Cummins and fellow pace bowler Mitchell Starc will join the squad for the South Africa leg of the tour, before the three-match Test series in October. Josh Hazlewood has been selected for both series.

“This six-game series is an important lead-in to next year’s World Cup, being played in the same countries, for the group,” Australia selection chair George Bailey said.

“As such it’s great to have Mitch (Marsh), Travis and Josh returning, then Pat and Mitch (Starc) for the (South Africa) leg. This gives us our core of players mixed with some we think will continue to make an impression.”

The Zimbabwe series will be played in Harare on 15, 18 and 20 September. Australia will then meet South Africa in Durban on 24 September, Johannesburg on 27 September and Potchefstroom on 30 September.

Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood are among the experienced players returning to the group, while Cummins and Starc are available only for the South Africa matches.

The squad also includes wicketkeepers Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, all-rounder Cameron Green, spinner Adam Zampa and fast bowlers Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson and Billy Stanlake.

Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Oliver Peake and Matthew Renshaw are also included, alongside opener Xavier Bartlett.

Australia’s ODI squad for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa is: Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only) and Adam Zampa.