Marnus Labuschagne’s struggle with the bat has cost him his place in Australia’s ODI squad, with the veteran batter left out of the 17-player squad announced for the upcoming white-ball tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Labuschagne’s omission is quite notable, as he has played 72 ODIs and has an average of 33.55, but his recent performances have not been upto the expectations. He has managed only one half-century across his past 16 innings. His absence from the ODI squad could also have wider consequences.
Australia are scheduled to face South Africa in a three-Test series in October, and Labuschagne now faces a major challenge to retain his place in the Test team. Meanwhile, Australia have brought in Joel Davies, who made a strong impression during Australia’s T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this year. Davies is now in contention to make his ODI debut. Left-handed batter Ollie Peake has also been named in the squad. Australia will begin their campaign in Zimbabwe before travelling to South Africa.
Australia’s ODI captain Pat Cummins will join the squad for the South African leg of the tour, along with Mitchell Starc. Josh Hazlewood, meanwhile, will be available throughout both ODI legs. Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia in Zimbabwe. The series between Zimbabwe and Australia will begin in Harare on September 15. And Australia’s series against South Africa will commence on September 24 in Durban.
Australia's ODI squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa tours: Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (SA only), Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (SA only), Adam Zampa.