---
title: "Marnus Labuschagne Retains Australia Test Spot For South Africa Tour"
canonical: "https://readcricket.com/2026/09/07/marnus-labuschagne-retains-australia-test-spot-for-south-africa-tour/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "News"
published: "2026-09-07T05:19:59Z"
modified: "2026-09-07T19:06:38Z"
---

# Marnus Labuschagne Retains Australia Test Spot For South Africa Tour

Marnus Labuschagne has retained his place in Australia’s 16-player Test squad for the upcoming three-match series in South Africa following a period of sustained scrutiny over his batting form.

The 32-year-old keeps his position for the World Test Championship assignment despite averaging just 24.69 across his last 43 innings without a century.

He was recently dropped from the one-day group, though selectors opted to keep faith with him for the red-ball fixtures.

South Africa’s recent form highlighted their [impressive white-ball bench strength](https://readcricket.com/2026/09/06/t20i-tri-series/), setting up a demanding tour for Pat Cummins and his side.

## Expanded Bowling Options Confirmed

National selection chair George Bailey added Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser to the 13 players who featured in the Mackay Test.

Kuhnemann provides a second spin option for the second match in Gqeberha, where slow bowling has dominated in recent years.

Bailey noted the composition was designed to manage a tight schedule, referencing player “reintegration” during the preceding limited-overs fixtures.

“This is a reasonably condensed three-game series, on the back of six one-day internationals, with only short breaks between each game,” Bailey said.

He added: “The squad provides balance and options for each Test and the variety of conditions we may face.”

## Emotional Return To South Africa

Neser returns after recovering from a calf strain, noting that playing a Test in the country of his birth would “be like a little kid’s dream come true”.

Australia are preparing for a long summer against varied opposition, a challenge mirrored by the youth development seen when [India named their youth squad](https://readcricket.com/2026/08/27/aaryavir-sehwag-anvay-dravid-called-up-to-india-u19-squad-for-australia-series/) for a separate one-day tour.

The first Test gets underway at Kingsmead in Durban on October 9.