Australia has announced its Test cricket squad for an upcoming three-match series against South Africa, retaining Marnus Labuschagne despite a recent dip in his performance. The 32-year-old, who was born in South Africa, was dropped from the one-day international squad for a recent tour of southern Africa but remains in the 16-player Test squad set to play in Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town in October. The team includes new additions like all-rounder Cooper Connolly, fast bowler Michael Neser, and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. Labuschagne struggled in the recent Test series against Bangladesh, scoring only 36 runs across three innings, which has raised questions about his continued role as Australia’s number three batsman. However, he has a strong record in South Africa, and chief selector George Bailey acknowledged the need for more runs from Labuschagne but expressed confidence in his ability to contribute positively to the team. Bailey also noted that the batting group as a whole has not been performing as well as desired, though Australia still holds a strong record in Test cricket. Cooper Connolly, who has not bowled for several months, was selected mainly for his middle-order batting skills. Michael Neser, who missed the Bangladesh series due to a calf injury, is expected to be fit and ready for the first Test in Durban on 9 October. Matthew Renshaw, who was brought in to replace Jake Weatherald as Travis Head's opening partner in the second Test against Bangladesh, has retained his place in the squad. The first Test at Kingsmead will be the first Test match between Australia and South Africa in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal at Newlands. Bailey expressed hope that the focus would remain on the cricket despite the potential for crowd banter. The Australian squad includes captain Pat Cummins, along with Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Beau Webster.