George Bailey backs Marnus Labuschagne retention for South Africa Tests

Australia selector George Bailey has defended the decision to retain Marnus Labuschagne in the Test squad for the tour of South Africa despite the batter's lack of recent form. Labuschagne has not scored a Test century for nearly three years and was recently dropped from the ODI team.

The Tests against South Africa begin in Durban on 9 October. Bailey said the selection panel remains confident that Labuschagne can contribute in the longer format.

Labuschagne has been retained at number three for the two-Test series.