Marnus Labuschagne dropped from Australia’s World Cup Test ODI squad
Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming series in Zimbabwe and South Africa, throwing his place in the team’s plans to defend the World Cup next year into serious doubt.
Labuschagne, who was born in South Africa, is a full member of Australia’s ODI side from 2022 and he played a key role in their successful 2023 World Cup campaign in India. However, his recent form in the 50-over format has not helped his case.
The 32-year-old right-hander has averaged just 21.87 in ODIs since the start of 2024, with his highest score during that period being an unbeaten 77. As a result, he was left out of Australia’s 17-man squad announced on Tuesday for the six ODIs in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Australia chief selector George Bailey stressed Labuschagne’s omission was specific to the ODI format and declined to comment on his future in the Test team, where he also faces questions after a difficult run of form.
“We separate those formats so this was a one-day cricket interview,” Bailey said during a video call with reporters.
Bailey also highlighted the importance of the upcoming tour, with the matches in Zimbabwe and South Africa serving as an important test for next year’s FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the two countries.
“I think it’s a pretty important tour for us. It’s hard to get a link, but Zimbabwe and South Africa, that’s where the World Cup will be played at the end of next year,” he said.
Australia have limited opportunities to play ODIs before the World Cup, so the upcoming six matches are particularly important for players competing for places and established roles.
“There aren’t many (ODI) games (before that) and the opportunity that is … given to some of those other players to continue to build their roles … will be really important,” Bailey added.
On Labuschagne’s omission, Bailey acknowledged his past contributions but said the current structure of Australia’s ODI side leaves no room for batting.
“(Marnus), again, played really important one-day cricket for us, at his best. It looks a certain way, but the way the team and the team are structured, there just wasn’t room for him.”
Australia recalled several established names for the tour, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, opener Travis Head and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood returning after missing the team’s last ODI series against Bangladesh.
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will join the squad for Australia’s three ODIs against South Africa, which will follow the three-match series against Zimbabwe.
The selectors have also given uncapped opportunities to Joel Davies, Oliver Peake and Cooper Connolly as Australia continue to build depth ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The tour begins with Australia’s first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 15.
The squad for Australia’s three-Test series in South Africa in October will be announced later this month. Bailey said the selectors were still assessing their options for the Test side.
“We are still working out what this Test squad will look like and exactly what we think we will need in South Africa,” he said.
Australia ODI Team: Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
01 Sep 2026 08:37 IST