Cricket Australia has officially announced the full squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against South Africa, set to begin on August 10. Several changes have been made in both formats, with Mitchell Marsh expected to captain the side in the absence of Pat Cummins.
Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood return to the national setup, adding experience and depth to the squad. The Australian team, fresh off a dominant series win over the West Indies, will face a fresh challenge on home soil without key pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
Rising all-rounder Mitchell Owen earns a spot in the ODI squad following an impressive performance against the Windies. However, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly, and Aaron Hardie have not been included in the T20I squad for the upcoming series. Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, Matt Kuhnemann, and Matthew Short have been called up in their place.
Australia’s T20I Squad vs SA, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
Australia’s ODI Squad vs SA, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
“As we build towards the T20 World Cup, the flexibility and depth shown during the West Indies series—beyond just the results—have been a huge positive,” said George Bailey, Australia’s Chair of Selectors, according to ESPNcricinfo.
“The versatility within the batting order and the ability of our bowlers to operate at different stages of the innings were particularly pleasing. Mitch Owen and Matt Kuhnemann making their respective debuts, and the preparation and effort shown by Nathan Ellis to feature in all five matches, were among the highlights,” Bailey added.
He also acknowledged that the return of Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood, along with a more compact squad for the home series, resulted in some players being left out. “However, all of them remain very much in contention as we continue our preparations—not just for this series but also for the tours to New Zealand and India later this year, and the upcoming home Test summer.”
Australia vs South Africa – Series Fixtures
T20I Series
1st T20I: August 10, Darwin
2nd T20I: August 12, Darwin
3rd T20I: August 16, Cairns
ODI Series
1st ODI: August 19, Cairns
2nd ODI: August 22, Mackay
3rd ODI: August 24, Mackay
With a balanced mix of youth and experience, the series against South Africa will serve as another vital step in Australia’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming home summer.