New Delhi, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : Cricket Australia has officially announced the team for the upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa.
Notably, Cooper Connolly, who made his Test debut last year, is making a return to the squad.
Following a disappointing defeat against Bangladesh in Darwin, significant changes were anticipated within the Australian team. However, selectors have opted to maintain faith in several players. Despite struggling in recent matches, Marnus Labuschagne has been retained for the series against South Africa. In the recent Test series against Bangladesh, Labuschagne managed to score only 36 runs across three innings. His last century in this format dates back three years.
This series marks the first time since the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 that Australia will play a Test series in South Africa. Only five players from that controversial squad-Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Steve Smith, and Matt Renshaw-remain part of the team for this tour. Connolly made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in February 2025.
Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser have also been included in the squad. Kuhnemann provides a left-arm spin option that could complement Nathan Lyon’s off-spin. Neser, who can contribute with both bat and ball, is expected to be effective on South African pitches. He missed the Bangladesh series due to a calf injury but had an impressive performance in the 2025-26 Ashes series, claiming 15 wickets in three matches.
The Australian squad for the Test series against South Africa includes: Pat Cummins (captain), 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, and Beau Webster.