Australia have decided to stick with Marnus Labuschagne.

Despite a difficult run of form, the experienced batter has been named in Australia's 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa.

Labuschagne's selection is one of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement. The 31-year-old has not scored a Test century since July 2023 and has found runs increasingly difficult to come by. However, Australia's selectors have opted to back his experience and give him another opportunity in the longest format.

The series begins in Durban on October 9 and will be an important one in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with both Australia and South Africa looking to strengthen their position in the race for the next WTC Final.

Australia back experience for South Africa Tests

Australia have gone with a familiar-looking group, particularly in the bowling department.

Captain Pat Cummins will lead a pace attack that includes Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland. Nathan Lyon remains the team's frontline spinner, while Matthew Kuhnemann has been added as another spin option.

The conditions in South Africa could make Australia's fast bowlers especially important. Having four experienced quicks available gives the selectors plenty of options throughout the three-Test series.

Behind the main attack, Michael Neser also provides useful depth with both bat and ball.

Labuschagne gets another opportunity

For Labuschagne, the South Africa tour could be an important moment.

Once one of Australia's most reliable Test batters, he has struggled to reproduce the consistency that made him a mainstay of the side. His lack of a Test hundred for more than three years has naturally led to questions about his place.

The selectors, however, have decided that his experience still counts for plenty.

Labuschagne will be part of a batting group featuring Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw and Cooper Connolly, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster offer additional all-round options.

The message from Australia is fairly clear: Labuschagne still has their backing, but another opportunity also brings pressure to deliver.

Cooper Connolly among three additions

Australia have made three changes to the group that featured in their recent home Test series against Bangladesh.

Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser have all been brought into the squad.

Connolly is arguably the most intriguing addition. The young all-rounder has been making his way towards the Test setup and gives Australia another left-handed batting option along with useful bowling ability.

Kuhnemann strengthens the spin department alongside Lyon, while Neser adds experience and flexibility to the squad.

Neser's selection could also make the tour particularly interesting for the all-rounder. Born in South Africa, he could potentially play a Test in his country of birth if he is selected in Australia's XI.

Australia vs South Africa Test schedule

The three-match series will begin in Durban before moving to Gqeberha and Cape Town.

Test

Date

Venue

1st Test

October 9–13

Durban

2nd Test

October 18–22

Gqeberha

3rd Test

October 27–31

Cape Town

The two teams last met in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord's, where South Africa came out on top.

This time, both sides will have their eyes on valuable WTC points.

Australia's 16-player Test squad

Pat Cummins (c), 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, Beau Webster.

For Australia, the South Africa series presents several questions.

Can Labuschagne rediscover his best form? Can Australia's experienced pace attack dominate in South African conditions? And how quickly can players such as Connolly establish themselves at Test level?

The answers could have a major say in Australia's WTC campaign — and perhaps in the make-up of their Test side going forward.