Australia announce squad for South Africa Test series

Australia have announced the squad for the three-Test series against South Africa, starting October 9. Pat Cummins will lead the side, with the selectors retaining Marnus Labuschagne despite his below-par performances in the most recent Test series against Bangladesh. There was a possibility of the middle-order batter getting dropped, but the selection panel opted against making major changes to the side, with Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser added to the squad.

Australia Test squad for South Africa Series: 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

Australia will be returning to South Africa for the first time since the controversial 2018 Sandpapergate saga. Only Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith and Matthew Renshaw remain from that infamous trip to the Rainbow Nation.

Australia tour of South Africa 2026

First ODI: September 24, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Second ODI: September 27, Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Third ODI: September 30, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Australia ODI squad for South Africa series: Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, 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, Adam Zampa

Warm-up match: October 3-4, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

First Test: October 9-13, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Second Test: October 18-22, St George's Park, Gqeberha

Third Test: October 27-31, Newlands, Cape Town