Matt Kuhnemann is poised to rejoin Australia’s Test cricket squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa, marking his return to the format after more than a year out of the side. The final squad selection is expected next week, with Michael Neser’s fitness status among the last key factors under consideration.

While Cricket Australia’s selection chair George Bailey declined to officially confirm the inclusion of Marnus Labuschagne, sources familiar with the process indicate that the batter, who has struggled recently and was dropped from the one-day international (ODI) squad, is likely to retain his place in the Test lineup for the three-match series starting October 9 in Durban.

Kuhnemann, a left-arm spinner, has not featured in a Test since his strong performances in Sri Lanka earlier last year, although he did travel with Australia for the World Test Championship Final in the West Indies. Like Labuschagne, Kuhnemann was excluded from the ODI squads for recent tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa, but is expected to join Nathan Lyon as part of the spin attack in the red-ball side.

Australia last selected a backup spinner, Jon Holland, for their 2018 Test tour of South Africa, but primarily relied on Lyon as the sole frontline spinner during that series. Other spinners such as Todd Murphy, who joined the Test squad last summer as cover during Lyon’s injury absence, and Corey Rocchiccioli are currently participating in the Australia A series in India. However, Murphy has indicated that he does not anticipate being called up for the South Africa tour, emphasizing his focus on gaining experience with Australia A in India.

Bailey emphasized that the selection process remains fluid, with some players potentially appearing in early matches in India before joining preparations for South Africa. He stressed that performances and decisions in limited-overs formats would be considered independently from the Test squad selections — specifically citing Labuschagne’s case as an example.

One key uncertainty concerns paceman Michael Neser, who would likely fill the role of fifth fast bowler behind Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland if he recovers in time from a recent calf injury. The selectors continue to monitor his fitness ahead of finalizing the squad.

Australia’s Test tour of South Africa is scheduled to begin with the first match in Durban on October 9. The selection decisions will shape a squad aiming to compete strongly in challenging conditions after recent fluctuations in player form and fitness.