Australia have made a significant selection call ahead of their upcoming ODI assignments in Zimbabwe and South Africa, with out-of-form batter Marnus Labuschagne left out of the squad. The decision comes after a prolonged lean spell across formats, while the selectors have opted to give younger players an opportunity alongside the return of several established stars.

Marnus Labuschagne pays the price for poor form

Labuschagne’s omission is perhaps the biggest talking point from Australia’s latest squad announcement. The right-hander endured a difficult ODI campaign in Pakistan, managing just 24 runs across three matches. His struggles continued during Australia’s three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in Mirpur in June. Although Labuschagne did manage to register one half-century, he was unable to build any sustained momentum during the series.

His recent Test performances against Bangladesh have also failed to provide the consistency expected from one of Australia’s senior batters. With the selectors now looking ahead to the next phase of the ODI cycle, Labuschagne has been left out as Australia make room for returning regulars and emerging options.

Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head return to strengthen batting

Australia will be boosted by the return of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head for the ODI leg of the tours. Marsh will captain the side in Zimbabwe, providing the team with both leadership and valuable all-round ability. Head, meanwhile, brings considerable firepower to the top order and should add an aggressive dimension to Australia’s batting. Their return has contributed to Labuschagne missing out, with the selectors seemingly preferring a combination of established match-winners and younger prospects.

The squad also includes Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Matthew Renshaw, giving Australia several options across the batting order.

Joel Davies earns chance after T20I impact

One of the more intriguing selections is all-rounder Joel Davies, who could be in line to make his ODI debut. Davies recently caught the selectors’ attention on his T20I debut against Bangladesh, returning impressive figures of 3/17. His inclusion highlights Australia’s willingness to look beyond established names and invest in players who have shown promise at international level.

Left-handed batter Oliver Peake has also retained his place after making his ODI debut against Pakistan in May. The young batter will now have another opportunity to establish himself in Australia’s one-day setup.

Also READ: Cricket Australia announces ODI fixtures for the historic tour of Zimbabwe 2026

Pace trio to reunite in South Africa

Australia’s bowling attack receives a major boost with Josh Hazlewood returning for both tours. The experienced seamer adds control and quality to an attack that also features Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson and Billy Stanlake.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are set to join the squad for the South African leg of the tour. Their involvement will come as Australia begin preparations for a three-match Test series against South Africa. The split in leadership means Marsh will oversee Australia’s campaign in Zimbabwe before Cummins links up with the squad in South Africa.

Australia’s ODI Squad for 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 Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc*, Adam Zampa

*South Africa tour only

Also READ: Ricky Ponting urges Australia to move on from Marnus Labuschagne after his flop show in Bangladesh Tests