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Australia<\/strong> have made a significant selection call ahead of their upcoming ODI assignments in Zimbabwe<\/strong> and South Africa<\/strong>, with out-of-form batter Marnus Labuschagne<\/strong><\/a> left out of the squad. The decision comes after a prolonged lean spell across formats, while the selectors have opted to give younger players an opportunity alongside the return of several established stars.<\/p>\n Labuschagne\u2019s omission is perhaps the biggest talking point from Australia\u2019s latest squad announcement. The right-hander endured a difficult ODI campaign in Pakistan<\/strong>, managing just 24 runs across three matches. His struggles continued during Australia\u2019s three-match ODI series against Bangladesh<\/strong> in Mirpur in June. Although Labuschagne did manage to register one half-century, he was unable to build any sustained momentum during the series.<\/p>\n His recent Test performances against Bangladesh have also failed to provide the consistency expected from one of Australia\u2019s senior batters. With the selectors now looking ahead to the next phase of the ODI cycle, Labuschagne has been left out as Australia make room for returning regulars and emerging options.<\/p>\n Australia will be boosted by the return of Mitchell Marsh<\/strong> and Travis Head<\/strong> for the ODI leg of the tours. Marsh will captain the side in Zimbabwe, providing the team with both leadership and valuable all-round ability. Head, meanwhile, brings considerable firepower to the top order and should add an aggressive dimension to Australia\u2019s batting. Their return has contributed to Labuschagne missing out, with the selectors seemingly preferring a combination of established match-winners and younger prospects.<\/p>\n The squad also includes Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey<\/strong> and Matthew Renshaw<\/strong>, giving Australia several options across the batting order.<\/p>\n One of the more intriguing selections is all-rounder Joel Davies<\/strong>, who could be in line to make his ODI debut. Davies recently caught the selectors\u2019 attention on his T20I debut against Bangladesh, returning impressive figures of 3\/17. His inclusion highlights Australia\u2019s willingness to look beyond established names and invest in players who have shown promise at international level.<\/p>\n Left-handed batter Oliver Peake<\/strong> has also retained his place after making his ODI debut against Pakistan in May. The young batter will now have another opportunity to establish himself in Australia\u2019s one-day setup.<\/p>\n Also READ: Cricket Australia announces ODI fixtures for the historic tour of Zimbabwe 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Australia\u2019s bowling attack receives a major boost with Josh Hazlewood<\/strong><\/a> returning for both tours. The experienced seamer adds control and quality to an attack that also features Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson<\/strong> and Billy Stanlake<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Pat Cummins<\/strong> and Mitchell Starc<\/strong> are set to join the squad for the South African leg of the tour. Their involvement will come as Australia begin preparations for a three-match Test series against South Africa. The split in leadership means Marsh will oversee Australia\u2019s campaign in Zimbabwe before Cummins links up with the squad in South Africa.<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s ODI Squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa:<\/strong> 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<\/p>\n *South Africa tour only<\/em><\/p>\nMarnus Labuschagne pays the price for poor form<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head return to strengthen batting<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Joel Davies earns chance after T20I impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Pace trio to reunite in South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n