**Australia Names 16‑Man Test Squad for South Africa Tour**
*Sydney, 7 September 2024* – The Australian selectors announced a 16‑man squad for the country’s first Test series in South Africa since the 2018 Sandpapergate controversy. The three‑match series will begin in Durban on 9 October.
**Key selections**
* **Marnus Labuschagne** – The 32‑year‑old wicket‑keeper batsman was retained despite a modest return in the recent Bangladesh series (scores of 1, 31 and 4). Labuschagne has not scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes. His career Test averages are 34.91 (2023), 30.93 (2024) and 20.84 (2025); he is averaging 24.20 this year. He was not selected for the white‑ball component of the tour but remains in contention for the Test XI.
* **Cooper Connolly** – The all‑rounder, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle last year, was added to the squad. Connolly has a first‑class batting average of 42 from 13 matches and will provide a third spin option alongside Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann.
Other members of the squad include:
* Pat Cummins (captain) – NSW/Penrith Cricket Club
Article and image source: theage.com.au
