Australia name squads for upcoming tour to South Africa

Australia have named squads for the upcoming limited-overs to South Africa.

After their tumultuous Test tour in 2018, the men from Down Under return later in the month to play the Proteas in three T20I matches and as many ODIs.

Big omissions made in Aussies touring party

The squad, across both formats, led by regular skipper Aaron Finch, with Steve Smith and David Warner returning to South Africa for the first time since their starring role in the infamous ball-tampering scandal.

Some interesting omissions have been made, most notably that of the in-form Marcus Stionis.

The all-rounder last played for Australia in the Cricket World Cup final against England, and was not part of the recent tour to India.

This is despite notching up 612 runs at 55.6 in the Big Bash League (BBL), on his way to being named player of the tournament.

Back in the fold is fellow all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who did not play any limited-overs internationals throughout 2019.

Australia have also recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade to the T20I squad. The 32-year-old last featured in the shortest format back in 2016 and has been out of the ODI fold since 2017.

He returns after a successful BBL, where he made 351 runs at 50.14 

Glenn Maxwell is another player back after a good BBL campaign. This is after taking time off the game ahead of the tour to India, citing mental health issues.

South African-born batsman Marnus Labuschagne has also been named in the ODI side after making his debut in India.

The 25-year-old had a relatively successful start to his international limited-overs career, scoring 100 runs in two innings, including a half-century in his last outing.

This was after a dream introduction to Test cricket, where he has bagged four 100s and eight 50s in just 14 matches for his adopted country.

Adam Zampa is the only specialist spinner in the ODI squad, while he has been named alongside Ashton Agar for the T20s.

South Africa and Australia begin the T20 leg of the tour with a match at The Wanderers on 21 February.

Australia squads vs South Africa 

Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Australia ODI squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (vc), Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.