Marnus Labuschagne axed from Australia ODI squad for World Cup rehearsal

Out-of-form batter Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from Australia's squad for the ODI series in Zimbabwe and South Africa later this month.Australia drop Marnus Labuschagne for ODI series in Zimbabwe, South Africa (PTI Photo)Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from Australia's ODI squad for the upcoming series in Zimbabwe and South Africa, putting his place in the team's plans for next year's World Cup defence under serious doubt.Labuschagne, who was born in South Africa, has been a regular member of Australia's ODI side since 2022 and played a key role in their successful 2023 World Cup campaign in India. However, his recent form in the 50-over format has not helped his case.The 32-year-old right-hander averages just 21.87 in ODIs since the start of 2024, with an unbeaten 77 as his highest score during that period. He was consequently left out of Australia's 17-member squad announced on Tuesday for six ODIs across Zimbabwe and South Africa.Australia chief selector George Bailey stressed that Labuschagne's omission was specific to the ODI format and declined to comment on his future in the Test team, where he is also facing questions after a difficult run of form. "We're separating those formats out, so this was a one-day cricket conversation," Bailey said during a video call with reporters.Bailey also highlighted the significance of the upcoming tour, with the matches in Zimbabwe and South Africa serving as an important rehearsal for next year's World Cup, which will be staged in those two countries. "I think this is a pretty important tour for us. It's hard to get the link, but Zimbabwe and South Africa, that's where the World Cup will be played late next year," he said.Australia have limited opportunities to play ODIs before the World Cup, making the upcoming six matches particularly important for players competing for places and established roles."There's not a whole lot of (ODI) games (before that) and the opportunity that's ... awarded to some of those other players to continue building out their roles ... will be really important," Bailey added.On Labuschagne's omission, Bailey acknowledged his past contributions but said the current structure of Australia's ODI side left no room for the batter."(Marnus), again, he's played some really important one-day cricket for us, at his best. That looks a certain way, but the way that squad and team is structuring up, there just wasn't space for him."Australia have recalled several established names for the tour, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, opener Travis Head and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood returning after missing the team's most recent ODI series against Bangladesh.Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will join the squad for Australia's three ODIs against South Africa, which will follow three matches against Zimbabwe.The selectors have also handed opportunities to uncapped Joel Davies, Oliver Peake and Cooper Connolly as Australia continue to build depth ahead of next year's World Cup.The tour begins with Australia's first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 15.The squad for Australia's three-Test series in South Africa in October will be announced later this month. Bailey said the selectors were still assessing their options for the Test side."We just we're still working through what that Test squad is going to look like and exactly what we feel we'll need in South Africa," he said.Australia ODI squad: Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 08:37 IST