Labuschagne dropped as Australia names ODI squad for African series

Australia has announced its ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, as well as a subsequent Test series against South Africa. However, veteran Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of the squad, despite being a key player for the national team in recent years. The World Cup winner was one of five players dropped from the squad, which will be playing in Africa almost a year before the next World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Labuschagne's omission comes after a recent slump in form, with the 32-year-old missing five of Australia's previous 56 ODIs. Other players dropped from the squad include Matt Short, Ben Dwarshuis, Todd Murphy, and Liam Scott. Pat Cummins and Mitch Starc, however, will retain their places in the ODI lineup for the matches against South Africa, while Mitch Marsh and Travis Head return to the squad after being absent from the recent tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Emerging talents such as Cooper Connolly, Oliver Peake, and Joel Davies have been included in the Australian ODI squad. The 15-man squad features a mix of experienced players and young talent as Australia aims to defend their ODI World Championship title, won in 2023 after a thrilling final victory over India in Ahmedabad.