Struggling for form across formats, Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming twin tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Labuschagne had a poor tour of Pakistan, scoring just 24 runs across three ODIs. He managed a fifty just once in the three one-day matches against Bangladesh in Mirpur in June, followed by similarly meager returns in the recently concluded two-match home Test series against the same opponent. With the return of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, there was no place for Labuschagne in the Australian ODI setup as the selectors instead chose to back the young talent.
Allrounder Joel Davies, who made an impressive T20I debut for Bangladesh with figures of 3/17, is now on course for a potential ODI debut, while left-hander Ollie Peake retains his place in the team after making his debut against Pakistan in May earlier this year.
Pacer Josh Hazlewood also returns for both series, while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will join the South African leg of the tour ahead of a three-match Test series. Marsh will lead the team in Zimbabwe before Cummins joins.
Selection committee chairman George Bailey said: “This six-match series represents an important introduction for the group into next year’s World Cup finals, where they will be played in the same countries.” “As such, it’s great to have Mitch (Marsh), Travis and Josh back, and then Pat and Mitch (Starc) for the South Africa game. This gives us a core mix of players with some who we believe will continue to make a good impression.
“For Ollie and Joel, who we rate very highly, it is another fantastic opportunity and another chance for them to continue their exposure and growth in the Australian team.”
Australia’s ODI squad for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa: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 Peck, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc*, Adam Zampa
*South Africa leg only
