Australia have dropped their top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne from the One-Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming white-ball tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa. The decision comes following a prolonged dip in Labuschagne’s white-ball form across recent tours in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
World Cup 2027 Vision: The six-match African swing serves as vital reconnaissance for Australia’s preparations ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
“This six-game series is an important lead-in to next year’s World Cup, being played in the same countries, for the group,” selection chief George Bailey said in a statement. Leadership Split: Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia during the three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. Regular captain Pat Cummins and pace spearhead Mitchell Starc will join the squad for the subsequent South Africa leg. Chief Selector Opens Up On Australia Squad Chief selector George Bailey called six ODI games ‘important’ for Australia in terms of preparation for next year’s World Cup.
