Marnus Labuschagne has been omitted from Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, with Joel Davies and Ollie Peake earning opportunities in the 50-over side.
Labuschagne struggled during Australia’s tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh in June, but responded with an unbeaten 55 in the second ODI against Bangladesh after being moved down to No. 7. It was his first fifty in the format since January 2025, with the 32-year-old averaging 20.20 in 11 innings during this period.
Labuschange’s poor run in the format also mirrors his paltry scores in the longer format. He averages 21.77 in 20 Test innings since the start of last year, with two fifties, but his omission from the ODI squad does not necessarily affect his prospects in the red-ball side. Australia’s Test squad for the South Africa series is expected to be announced next week, with chairman of selectors George Bailey confirming that decisions across the two formats are being made separately.
Australia have named their ODI squad for the upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa 🇿🇼🇿🇦
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 1, 2026
Marnus Labuschagne misses out ❌
Marsh, Head, Cummins and Starc return, with the latter two joining only for the South Africa leg 🔙
Marsh to captain in Zimbabwe, with Cummins returning… pic.twitter.com/thXxx9vEHM
Joel Davies, Ollie Peake get call-ups
Davies, the New South Wales allrounder, could make his ODI debut after impressing during Australia’s T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this year. He picked up 3-17 on debut, the third-best men’s T20I figures for Australia in their first game. Davies, who bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin, has played just three List A games since his debut at the start of the year.
Left-hander Peake has also been retained for another opportunity at international level, after getting a chance against Pakistan and Bangladesh. He failed to leave much of an impression, scoring 72 runs in four innings, but Bailey felt he was a player to watch. "For Ollie and Joel, who we rate very highly, it's another fantastic opportunity and a further chance for them to continue their exposure and growth in the Australian team," he said.
Cooper Connolly, who made 149 against Bangladesh, has also been selected. He also picked up 5-22 against the Proteas at Mackay last year, becoming the youngest Australian to pick an ODI five-for.
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will join the squad for the South Africa leg, while Josh Hazlewood will feature in both ODI series. Cummins remains Australia’s official ODI captain, but Mitchell Marsh will lead the side in Zimbabwe. Marsh and Cummins will share the captaincy duties in South Africa depending on how many matches the latter plays.
The Zimbabwe ODIs will be played in Harare on September 15, 18 and 20, before Australia travel to South Africa for matches beginning on September 24.
Australia ODI squad for ZIM, SA tours
Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only), Adam Zampa.
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