On Thursday, Australia faced off agaisnt South Africa in the first ODI of their bilateral series in Bloemfontein. South Africa batted first and were bowled out for just 222 despite captain Temba Bavuma's brilliant knock of 114 not out.
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In reply Australia started quickly but lost wickets at regular intervals to find themselves 93/6. Marnus Labuschagne, usually a No 4 batter, then walked out to the middle as a concussion substitute for Cameron Green.
Labuschagne scored 80 not out as he steered Australia home to a 3-wicket victory, in the company of Ashton Agar (48*). The pair put on 112 for the eighth wicket.
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Can Australia add Marnus Labuschagne to the World Cup squad?
After the match, there were calls from fans around the world to include Labuschagne in Australia's World Cup squad. Cricket Australia had announced an 18-man squad last month which was trimmed down to 15 earlier this week. Neither included the batter.
As per the ICC guidelines, all teams are required to finalise a 15-player squad by 28 September, for the tournament beginning on 5 October in India. Any squad changes made after that date will require prior approval from the ICC.
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So, until 28 September, Australia have the option of replacing another player in the squad with Labuschagne if they so wish. After that, they will need special permission.
Labuschagne, who also made his Ashes debut in 2019 as a concussion substitute, saw the funny side of the match, acknowledging it in a tweet.
My mum last night was adamant that I was playing, and I said ‘Mum, I’m not in the team” … I guess I’ve just got some weird things that happen around concussion"
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 7, 2023
- @marnus3cricket #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/1antv0AbCe