Australia announced its squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa, which is to be played later this month. Veteran batter Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the side after poor form with the bat. The 32-year-old has played 72 ODIs and scored 1980 runs at an average of 33, including two centuries and 13 fifties. His last game came against Bangladesh in June, where the batter scored 29 runs.

George Bailey, who is Australia’s selector, said that the batter has been dropped from only the ODI format. Bailey, though, was tight-lipped when asked about Marnus’ future in the Test format since Australia will also play the current World Test Champions in a three-match Test series.

The selection panel is working on the make-up of the Test squad ahead of the blockbuster series, with the first Test to be played in Durban starting 9th October. “This six-game series is important leading up to next year’s World Cup.”

Defending ODI World Cup champions are also going to tour Zimbabwe for a three-game ODI series before facing the Proteas. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will only play the South Africa series while Josh Hazlewood is expected to be part of both travelling parties.

Young duo Joel Davies and Oliver Peake included

The 22-year-old Joel Davies, who made his T20I debut during the tour of Bangladesh, is also a part of the ODI squad. The New South Wales player has played three list-A games and picked up three wickets.

Peake is a 19-year-old batter with immense potential and is labelled as the future of Australian cricket. The youngster has already played the fifty-over format, scoring 72 runs with a best of 31 in four matches so far.

The pace department is also strengthened with the inclusion of Nathan EllisBilly Stanlake, Xavier Bartlett, and Spencer Johnson. The spin department will be spearheaded by Adam Zampa.

Australia’s squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa tours

Zimbabwe tour – Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh InglisSpencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa.

South Africa tour – Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.