Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming series in Zimbabwe and South Africa, raising concerns about his future in the team ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Labuschagne, originally from South Africa, has been a key player for Australia in limited-overs cricket since 2022 and contributed significantly to their success in the recent World Cup. However, his performance in ODIs has dipped recently, leading to his exclusion from the 17-member squad announced on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old batsman has struggled with his form, averaging just 21.87 in ODIs this year, with an unbeaten score of 77 being his highest in 2024. As a result, he will miss the six ODIs scheduled in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, clarified that Labuschagne’s omission was specific to the one-day format, stating, “This was a one-day cricket conversation.” He chose not to speculate on Labuschagne’s future in Test matches, where he also faces challenges due to inconsistent performances.
Bailey emphasized the importance of the upcoming tour, describing it as a crucial preparation for the World Cup that will take place in Zimbabwe and South Africa in late 2024. “There aren’t many ODI games before the World Cup, so these six matches are particularly significant for players vying for positions,” he added.
While acknowledging Labuschagne’s past contributions, Bailey mentioned that the current lineup left no room for him. “He has played important one-day cricket for us at his best, but the way the team is set up currently just didn’t have space for him.”
Australia has also welcomed back several seasoned players for the tour, including all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, opener Travis Head, and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who missed the recent ODI series against Bangladesh. Fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will join the squad for the three ODIs against South Africa after the series in Zimbabwe.
In addition to established players, selectors have given opportunities to newcomers Joel Davies, Oliver Peake, and Cooper Connolly as Australia looks to strengthen its depth ahead of the World Cup.
The series kicks off with the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 15. The squad for the upcoming three-Test series in South Africa later this year will be announced later this month. Bailey confirmed that selectors are still determining the final lineup for the Test side.
Australia’s ODI squad: 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.
