Marnus Labuschagne’s distinguished international career faces uncertainty after he was omitted from Australia’s ODI lineup, although chairman of selectors George Bailey emphasised he remains a candidate for the Test side.
Labuschagne has been excluded from Australia’s white‑ball squad for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, a team assembled with the 2025 ODI World Cup in view.
The team will contest six one‑day internationals in Zimbabwe and South Africa this month, followed by a three‑Test series against the Proteas in October. On Tuesday, selectors announced a 17‑man ODI squad, with the Test squad to be named in the coming weeks.
Labuschagne was one of five players omitted from the side that played Bangladesh in Australia’s last ODI in June.
The 32‑year‑old, who topped the ICC batting rankings in 2023, has since averaged under 30 in Test cricket and now sits joint 38th in the latest ratings.
Although Labuschagne has been left out of the ODI side, Bailey stressed that his potential inclusion in the red‑ball team is a separate matter.
“This was a one‑day cricket discussion, and it’s a crucial component for us,” Bailey said. “The upcoming matches in Zimbabwe and South Africa are where the World Cup will be staged next year, so those contests are vital.”
“There are limited opportunities, and it’s important that other players receive the chance to develop their roles and performances in those games,” he added.
“Marn has delivered some crucial one‑day performances at his best, but given the current structure of the squad, there simply wasn’t a spot for him,” Bailey explained.
Labuschagne had been on the periphery of the Test side before last summer’s Ashes, but a strong start to the Sheffield Shield season secured his place. He will not, however, be able to play for Queensland before the Test squad for South Africa is announced later this month.
Selectors are still deliberating over the Test lineup ahead of the first Test on 9 October. “We don’t need to decide until the moment demands it,” Bailey noted.
“We’re gathering as much information as possible about the likely pitches and conditions in South Africa, finalising fitness assessments for several players, and working through the remaining details before finalising the number of spots and specific roles,” he said.
Labuschagne managed an average of 25 during the Ashes last summer, and then scored 1, 31 and 4 in the subsequent Test series against Bangladesh.
Bailey also praised 19‑year‑old Victorian left‑handed batsman Oliver Peake, who became the youngest specialist batsman to make his ODI debut for Australia this year, and 22‑year‑old New South Wales all‑rounder Joel Davies, who debuted in T20 internationals against Bangladesh in June.
“For Ollie and Joel, whom we hold in high regard, this represents another excellent opportunity to further their experience and development within the Australian team,” Bailey said.
Australia’s ODI squad: Mitch Marsh, Pat Cummins (captain for South Africa only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only), Adam Zampa.