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Australia names 16-man Test squad for South Africa series

Marnus Labuschagne retains his place in Australia's squad for the upcoming Test tour of South Africa despite criticism over his recent performance.

7 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Australia names 16-man Test squad for South Africa series — Archive photoPhoto: Michael Coghlan · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

Selectors for the Australian national cricket team have announced a 16-man squad for the upcoming Test series in South Africa, marking the team's first tour there since the 2018 'Sandpapergate' incident.

Marnus Labuschagne, who has faced scrutiny due to his recent form, has been retained in the squad, a decision reportedly aimed at providing balance and options, according to selector George Bailey.

The squad includes players who participated in Australia's recent match against Bangladesh, where they secured a victory in Mackay. Among the selections, fast bowler Michael Neser, spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, and batter Cooper Connolly will join the group for the series.

The first of the three Test matches is scheduled to begin on 9 October in Durban. This series is seen as crucial for Australia, especially after their previous performances and the controversies surrounding them.

This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the team's lineup and strategy leading into international fixtures, as selectors aim to navigate the challenges posed by the South African conditions.

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