Australia reveal strong squad for South Africa Test series
Marnus Labuschagne retained in the Aussies' squad as Matthew Kuhnemann wins a call-up to partner first-choice spinner Nathan Lyon.
Australia have announced their squad for next month's three-match ICC World Test Championship series in South Africa.
It will be the first time the teams have met since last year's World Test Championship Final at Lord's and will be pivotal in deciding which sides reach next year's decider at The Oval.
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The Aussies have included all their experienced fast bowlers in the 16-player squad, while out of form batter Marnus Labuschagne is retained despite a lean recent run that hasn't seen the right-hander score a century since July 2023.
Labuschagne is included in a batting group that includes Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith and Cooper Connolly, while all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster also win a spot in the squad for the series that commences in Durban on October 9.
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Three new players are added to the squad that missed out on the recent series at home against Bangladesh, with Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser the additions to the playing group as extra cover for the different conditions the Aussies are expecting in South Africa.
"This is a reasonably condensed three-game series, on the back of six one-day internationals, with only short breaks between each game," Chair of Selectors George Bailey said.
"The squad provides balance and options for each Test and the variety of conditions we may face."
The tour is the first time Australia have travelled to South Africa for a Test series since the infamous series in 2018, with just five players - skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Smith and Renshaw - having previously been included in a touring party.
Australia currently sit in first place on the World Test Championship standings, with reigning champions South Africa in second.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
Series schedule:
First Test: October 9-13, Durban
Second Test: October 18-22, Gqeberha
Third Test: October 27-31, Johannesburg