Marnus Labuschagne Pays Price for Poor Form, Dropped from Australia's ODI Squad

Australia has announced its ODI squad for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, featuring notable omissions and fresh inclusions as selectors build toward next year's World Cup.

Marnus Labuschagne Dropped: After struggling for form during recent tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh, Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of the ODI squad. His Test spot remains under evaluation ahead of the South Africa Test series.

Return of Key Stars: Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh return to the squad. Marsh will captain the side in Zimbabwe and share captaincy duties with Pat Cummins in South Africa.

Pace Management: Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will join the tour specifically for the South Africa leg, while Josh Hazlewood will feature across both series. Spencer Johnson and Billy Stanlake have been recalled to strengthen pace options.

Young Talent Retained & Drafted

Joel Davies & Ollie Peake Included: New South Wales all-rounder Joel Davies is in line for an ODI debut, joined by young batter Ollie Peake. Both have been prioritized for international exposure over concurrent Australia A red-ball fixtures in India.

Cooper Connolly Retained: Fresh off a maiden ODI century (149 against Bangladesh in Mirpur), Cooper Connolly retains his spot and will feature throughout the campaign.

Full Australia ODI Squad

Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (SA leg only), Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh (C), Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (SA leg only), Adam Zampa.

Tour Schedule

vs. Zimbabwe (Harare): September 15, 18, and 20

vs. South Africa (Durban, Johannesburg, Potchefstroom): September 24, 27, and 30