Sydney, September 07 (H.S.): Despite his poor run of form against Bangladesh, Australia have retained Marnus Labuschagne in their squad for the upcoming Test tour of South Africa. Australia and South Africa will contest a three-Test series beginning October 9. It will be Australia's first Test series in South Africa since the controversial 2018 tour.

Labuschagne has been retained despite scoring just 1, 31 and 4 in the two-Test series against Bangladesh. His last Test century came three years ago in Manchester. Although Australia dropped him from their ODI squad, the selectors have continued to back him in Test cricket.

Australia have also included young all-rounder Cooper Connolly in the squad. Connolly made his Test debut against Sri Lanka last year and has played just one Test so far. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and all-rounder Michael Neser have also been named in the squad.

Kuhnemann, a left-arm spinner, will provide an additional spin option alongside off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Neser, meanwhile, could prove particularly valuable in South African conditions because of his all-round abilities. He missed the Test series against Bangladesh due to a calf injury. After taking 15 wickets in three matches during the 2025-26 Ashes series, Neser is now in line to play against his country of birth, South Africa.

Australia have also retained Matthew Renshaw as Travis Head's opening partner. Renshaw replaced Jake Weatherald following Australia's defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin. He was one of the leading opening batters in the previous domestic Sheffield Shield season, scoring three centuries in 10 innings. Although he was dismissed for eight in the only innings of the Mackay Test, the selectors have given him another opportunity on the South Africa tour.

The first Test of the series will be played at Kingsmead in Durban from October 9. The second Test will begin at St George's Park in Gqeberha on October 18, while the third and final Test will be played at Newlands in Cape Town from October 27.

Australia Test Squad:

Pat Cummins (captain), 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 and Beau Webster.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar