Labuschagne Dropped as Australia Name Strong ODI Squad for Zimbabwe, South Africa Tours

Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia's 17-member ODI squad for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, raising fresh questions over his place in the team's plans for next year's World Cup.

Labuschagne has been a regular in Australia's ODI setup, missing only five of their last 56 matches since late 2022. However, his recent form has declined sharply, with the 32-year-old averaging just 21.87 in his last 18 ODI innings.

The batter was also moved down to No.7 during the second ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka, and his omission from the latest squad could signal the selectors' willingness to explore younger options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Australia have retained promising youngsters Oliver Peake, Joel Davies and Cooper Connolly, while captain Mitchell Marsh and opener Travis Head return after missing the team's previous ODI assignments in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Australia ODI squad: Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), 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 (South Africa only), Adam Zampa.

The pace attack will be strengthened for the South Africa leg, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc joining Josh Hazlewood. Cummins, however, is not expected to play all three ODIs in South Africa, meaning Marsh could once again captain the side in his absence.

Marsh will lead Australia in the three-match series in Zimbabwe before Cummins joins the squad in South Africa. The six-match tour is viewed as important preparation for the 2027 World Cup, which will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Peake and Davies have earned further opportunities after making an impression during Australia's recent subcontinental tours. Peake played four ODIs in Pakistan and Bangladesh, while Davies could make his ODI debut after featuring for Australia for the first time in Chattogram.

The squad also includes significant fast-bowling depth, with Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett and Billy Stanlake joining the frontline attack. Johnson returns to the ODI setup after more than a year away from the format.

Despite Labuschagne's ODI omission, Australia's selectors have previously stressed that performances in the two formats are assessed separately. His Test future will therefore be decided independently, with Australia's squad for the upcoming three-Test series against South Africa expected to be announced next week.

With next year's World Cup firmly in sight, Australia's selectors appear keen to blend their established core with emerging talent, while Labuschagne now faces a crucial period to revive his international career.