Cricket Australia has announced its 17-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa. The team features a blend of experienced players and young talent. The most significant decision is the exclusion of star batter Marnus Labuschagne; he has been left out of the ODI squad due to poor form.
During this tour, Australia is scheduled to play three ODIs against Zimbabwe, followed by a three-match ODI series against South Africa. This six-match stretch is crucial for Australia, as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia are set to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup. Consequently, the Australian team views these matches as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup.Marnus Labuschagne did not find a spot
The most surprising name regarding the Australian squad is that of Marnus Labuschagne. The experienced batter, who has been struggling with poor form for a long time, has been dropped from the ODI team for the series against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Labuschagne was part of Australia's 2023 World Cup-winning squad, and his crucial innings against India in the final played a significant role in the team's victory. However, his performance in ODI cricket since then has consistently fallen short of expectations.
His performance in recent ODI series was also disappointing. Labuschagne managed to score only 24 runs across three ODIs against Pakistan. Subsequently, he scored just one half-century in the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. His ODI batting average since 2024 has also been quite low; he has averaged 21.87 across his last 18 ODI innings. Given this, the selectors have decided to provide more opportunities to younger players.
Mitchell Marsh Return
Although Australia's regular ODI captain Pat Cummins is part of the squad, he will not be available for the Zimbabwe series. Mitchell Marsh will captain the team in all three ODIs against Zimbabwe. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head have returned to the ODI squad; neither player was part of the Australian team during the previous ODI series against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Marsh's return will strengthen Australia's middle-order and all-rounder options, while Travis Head will aim to provide an aggressive start at the top of the order.
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to return for the South Africa series
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been included in the squad solely for the South Africa tour. This means the two fast bowlers will not play the three ODIs against Zimbabwe but will join the team for the three-match series in South Africa. Josh Hazlewood is part of the squad for both series. Consequently, Australia can field a formidable pace attack featuring experienced bowlers like Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood in South Africa.
These matches are also considered crucial for Australia's preparations for the Test series scheduled for October. The ODIs against South Africa will give the players an opportunity to acclimatize to the local conditions.
Australia squad for the ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa
Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (Captain), 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.
The young guns hold their spots in the Aussie men's ODI squad to take on Zimbabwe and South Africa, but there's a key omission too: https://t.co/uEsR8VkbhV pic.twitter.com/P9vOUuOGeQ
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 31, 2026
Australia schedule for the Zimbabwe-South Africa series
Venue - Harare Sports Club ODI
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Venue - Harare Sports Club ODI
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Venue - Harare Sports Club ODI
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Venue - Kingsmead ODI
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Venue - The Wanderers Stadium ODI
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Venue - Senwes Park ODI
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Venue - Kingsmead TEST
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Venue - St Georges Park TEST
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Venue - Newlands TEST
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Also Read: Joe Root Overtakes Stephen Fleming: Most Test Wins as Captain
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