Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia's One Day International (ODI) squad for upcoming tours to Zimbabwe and South Africa. The decision comes as selectors look ahead to next year's ODI World Cup.
Despite the omission from the white-ball team, George Bailey, chair of selectors, confirmed that Labuschagne is still in contention for the Test side. Australia is set to play six ODIs in Zimbabwe and South Africa this month, followed by a three-Test series against the Proteas in October.
Labuschagne was one of five players dropped from the squad that recently played Bangladesh in June. Bailey noted that while Labuschagne has played important ODI cricket for Australia, there was no space for him in the current squad structure.
The 32-year-old batter, who was ranked the best Test batter globally by the ICC in 2023, has since averaged under 30 in Tests and is currently ranked equal 38th. The Test squad for South Africa will be announced in the coming weeks.