Labuschagne retained despite ODI axing - Connolly, Neser, Kuhnemann added for South Africa

Australia has named a 16-man squad for their upcoming three-Test tour of South Africa, keeping faith in Marnus Labuschagne despite his recent struggles and handing a call-up to young batter Cooper Connolly.

Faith in Labuschagne: Despite averaging 24.69 across his last 43 Test innings without a hundred, Labuschagne retains his spot in the Test squad, though he was omitted from the preceding ODI leg.

Connolly's Maiden Call-Up: 22-year-old Cooper Connolly enters the Test setup as an additional batting option capable of playing across the top and middle order.

Bowling Additions: Pacer Michael Neser returns after recovering from a calf strain alongside left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who provides spin coverage alongside Nathan Lyon. Opening Combination: Matt Renshaw and Travis Head look set to continue as the primary opening pair, with Jake Weatherald left out of the expanded squad.

Kuhnemann is a surprise inclusion as an additional spinner. He was the second spinner in the World Test Championship final squad again South Africa and for the tour of West Indies that followed in 2025 but was not called up to the Ashes squad in December when Nathan Lyon was omitted, with Victoria offspinner Todd Murphy called in ahead of him although he did not end up playing.

Australia Test Squad

Pat Cummins (capt), 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