Australia has announced its 16-member Test squad for the South Africa tour for a three-match series that will be important for the World Test Championship 2025-27. The biggest selection decision is the retention of Marnus Labuschagne despite his poor recent form.
It will be their first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 Sandpaper Gate scandal and their first Test meeting with South Africa since the 2025 World Test Championship Final, which South Africa won.
Marnus Labuschagne keeps his Test place
Marnus Labuschagne has struggled for runs for a long time. The right-handed batter has averaged only 24.69 across his last 43 Test innings and has not scored a Test century since July 2023. His poor form continued against Bangladesh, where he scored 1, 31 and 4 in three innings.
Australia also left him out of their ODI squad for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, making his Test selection more surprising. However, the selectors have decided to give their experienced No. 3 another chance.
Australia chair of selectors George Bailey admitted that the team expects more from Labuschagne but still believes he can contribute.
“We’d like some more runs from Marn. That’s clear,” Bailey said.
Bailey also said Labuschagne can now focus fully on Test cricket because he will not play the ODI series before the Tests.
“I’m confident that he can still make a positive contribution.”
The South Africa Test series could prove crucial for Labuschagne. He is in the squad, but his place in the XI is not guaranteed. Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis provide other batting options.
Cooper Connolly among three new players
Australia have added three players to their squad after the last Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. The three players are Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser. The other 13 players have kept their places.
Connolly is the most interesting addition. The 23-year-old has limited experience as a top-order first-class batter and does not have a first-class century yet. However, he impressed with an ODI century against Bangladesh in June. Bailey believes Connolly could eventually bat in Australia’s top three.
“I think he will be able to.”
His inclusion gives Australia another batting option if Labuschagne’s poor form continues. Michael Neser also strengthens the pace attack after recovering from the calf injury that ruled him out of the Bangladesh series.
He joins Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland in a strong pace attack. Matthew Kuhnemann adds another spin option alongside Nathan Lyon, giving Australia a choice to play two spinners in South Africa.
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Could Steve Smith move back to No. 3?
Australia could change their batting order during the tour. Labuschagne’s form has raised the possibility of moving Steve Smith back to No. 3, where he had great success earlier.
Travis Head could return to No. 5. Bailey has not ruled out changes, but said one move can affect the whole order. For now, Matthew Renshaw and Travis Head are expected to open. Jake Weatherald misses out.
Australia squad for South Africa Test series
Australia’s full 16-player squad is:
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.
The squad has plenty of experience, especially in the bowling department.
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Australia vs South Africa Test schedule
The three-match Australia vs South Africa Test series will start on October 09, 2026.
| Test | Date | Venue |
| 1st Test | October 9-13 | Durban |
| 2nd Test | October 18-22 | Gqeberha |
| 3rd Test | October 27-31 | Cape Town |
First Australian Test tour of South Africa since Sandpaper Gate
The series has a strong historical connection. Australia have not played a Test series in South Africa since 2018. South Africa won that four-Test series 3-1 after Australia won the first Test in Durban.
The third Test at Newlands became the centre of the ball-tampering scandal, with Cameron Bancroft caught using sandpaper on the ball. Steve Smith, David Warner and Bancroft were later suspended.
Five players from that tour remain in Australia’s 2026 squad: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Matthew Renshaw. Renshaw joined the squad during the series, creating a direct link to the upcoming tour.
Australia and South Africa’s last Test series
Australia and South Africa have not played a Test series in South Africa since 2018. However, they met in Australia during 2022-23 for a three-Test series. Australia won 2-0, winning in Brisbane and Melbourne, while the Sydney Test ended in a draw. Their most recent Test meeting was even more important.
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South Africa beat Australia in the 2025 WTC Final
The two teams last met in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. South Africa beat Australia by five wickets to win their first WTC title. Australia scored 212 and 207, while South Africa made 138 in the first innings before chasing 282.
Aiden Markram led the chase with 136. South Africa enter the series as the reigning World Test Champions, giving Australia extra motivation.
Australia vs South Africa: WTC 2025-27 battle
The series will be important for the WTC 2025-27 standings. Australia are currently top of the WTC table after playing 10 Tests, winning eight and reaching an 80-point percentage.
They lost to Bangladesh but quickly returned to winning ways in Mackay. South Africa sit second, with four Tests, three wins and a 75-point percentage. Their 2-0 win in India helped their position, while their series against Pakistan ended 1-1. The Australia vs South Africa Tests will bring the top two WTC teams together.
Australia will aim to improve their chances of reaching another WTC Final, while South Africa will look to defend their position. Marnus Labuschagne will also face major attention.
Once a key Test batter for Australia, he now enters the tour under pressure. The selectors have given him another chance, and his performances could affect Australia’s batting plans and his future at No. 3.
What do you think? Will this Australian team be able to win the series this time around in South Africa? Or will South Africa win the series back-to-back at home against the Aussies? Comment your prediction below.
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