Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled to the Australia squad for the upcoming three-Test series against South Africa despite recent poor form. The 32-year-old, born in South Africa, has not scored a century since 2023 and struggled in two Tests against Bangladesh last month. Selector George Bailey acknowledged the team's batting struggles but expressed confidence Labuschagne can still contribute positively.

The series marks Australia's first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 "Sandpapergate" ball-tampering scandal. Captain Pat Cummins leads a squad unchanged from the recent Bangladesh Test, though Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Michael Neser have been added. Australia will begin the tour in Durban on October 9 before moving to Gqeberha and Cape Town.

Veterans Steve Smith and David Warner, central to the 2018 controversy, are recalled to the playing group. The selectors emphasize this is not Labuschagne's last chance, though pressure remains on the number three batter to revive his career on the challenging tour.