Labuschagne spared axe as Connolly gets nod for South Africa Test series

September 7, 2026 — 10:00amMarnus Labuschagne has been spared the axe for Australia’s upcoming Test tour of South Africa, with selectors also naming all-rounder Cooper Connolly in an extended squad.The 32-year-old, who has not scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes, was named in Australia’s 16-man squad on Monday for the three-Test series beginning in Durban on October 9.Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne.Getty ImagesDespite scores of 1, 31 and four in the recent series against Bangladesh, Labuschagne will make the trip for Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the infamous Sandpapergate series in 2018.Labuschagne averaged 34.91 in 2023, 30.93 in 2024 and 20.84 in 2025, and is averaging 24.20 this year.He was not picked for the white ball component of the tour but is still in the frame to retain his spot in Australia’s XI.Australia’s Test squad for South Africa tourPat Cummins (NSW/Penrith Cricket Club) (c)Scott Boland (VIC/Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club)Alex Carey (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club)Cooper Connolly (WA/Scarborough Cricket Club)Cameron Green (WA/Subiaco-Floreat Cricket Club)Josh Hazlewood (NSW/St George Cricket Club)Travis Head (SA/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club)Josh Inglis (WA/Joondalup Cricket Club)Matthew Kuhnemann (TAS/Clarence Cricket Club)Marnus Labuschagne (QLD/Redlands Cricket Club)Nathan Lyon (NSW/Northern District Cricket Club)Michael Neser (QLD/Gold Coast Cricket Club)Matthew Renshaw (QLD/Toombul Cricket Club)Steve Smith (NSW/Sutherland Cricket Club)Mitchell Starc (NSW/Manly Warringah Cricket Club)Beau Webster (TAS/Kingborough Cricket Club)Opener Jake Weatherald, who was dropped for Matt Renshaw after Australia’s loss to Bangladesh in Darwin, has again missed selection.Connolly, who has a first-class batting average of 42 from 13 matches, has been included for another overseas Test tour after making his debut against Sri Lanka in Galle last year.Cooper Connolly. AP Photo/Mosaraf HossainAustralia will take three spin options, with Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann joined by Connolly.Josh Inglis is the reserve wicketkeeper behind Alex Carey, while all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster have also been named.Chair of selectors George Bailey said: “This is a reasonably condensed three-game series, on the back of six one-day internationals, with only short breaks between each game. The squad provides balance and options for each Test and the variety of conditions we may face.”More to comeTom Decent is the chief sports writer for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners