Labuschagne has faced intense scrutiny to hold his place at number three after a sustained dip in form, averaging just 24.69 across his last 43 Test innings without a century since July 2023. Although he was omitted from Australia’s ODI squads for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, he has kept his Test spot, despite scoring only 1, 31 and 4 in his three innings against Bangladesh.
Selectors have added Connolly as an additional batting option, bringing him into the squad that contested the second Test in Mackay. In 21 first‑class matches, Connolly has yet to record a triple‑figure score and has batted primarily at numbers three and four. After being dropped by Western Australia for the final Sheffield Shield fixture last summer, he responded with a match‑winning ODI century opening against Bangladesh in June. Josh Inglis rounds out the squad as the reserve batter‑wicketkeeper.
Kuhnemann’s selection comes as a surprise addition to the spin department. He served as the second spinner in the World Test Championship final lineup against South Africa and featured on the subsequent tour of West Indies in 2025, yet he was not called up for the December Ashes when Nathan Lyon was left out, with Victoria off‑spinner Todd Murphy preferred—though Murphy ultimately did not play.
It appears unlikely Australia will field two spinners in South Africa, and there is a chance they may opt for none if the pitches in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town are deemed heavily seam‑friendly. Including Kuhnemann will also help the batsmen acclimatise to South Africa’s premier spinner, Keshav Maharaj.
Neser has recovered from a calf strain sustained during an early‑August training camp and has been included as the fifth fast‑bowling option alongside Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.
Cameron Green and Beau Webster remain the all‑rounders in the lineup, as they were against Bangladesh, while Matt Renshaw has been retained as an opener after replacing Jake Weatherald during the Bangladesh series.
Australia Test squad for tour of South Africa
Pat Cummins (capt), 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
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