Selectors opted against a red-ball change for what will be the team's first Test series in South Africa since the infamous "Sandpapergate" ball-tampering scandal in 2018.

The experienced batsman, a key pillar of their World Cup-winning side in 2023, paid the price for poor recent form with his future as a Test player also on the line.

If selected it would be Renshaw's first appearance at Test level for more than three years

Labuschagne hasn't scored a Test century in more than three years despite some good contributions during Australia's 4-1 Ashes series triumph over England at the start of the year, but the former No.1 ranked Test batter believes he is not far away from regaining his touch and is targeting a strong showing during the upcoming home series with Bangladesh.

A relentless Australia took a 44-run lead over England in the day-night second Ashes Test in Brisbane on Friday, with aggressive opener Jake Weatherald and Steve Smith leading the charge.

Dropped Australian Test star Marnus Labuschagne says he is determined to bounce back and prove the doubters wrong, putting his hand up to open in the Ashes series against England.

Travis Head said Monday Australia were experienced enough to cope as they prepare for their first Test without Steve Smith or Marnus Labuschagne since 2018.

Marnus Labuschagne will open for Australia in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, captain Pat Cummins announced Tuesday.

Travis Head's superb career-best 154 not out saw depleted world champions Australia to a seven-wicket win over England in the first one-day international at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

Smith got a rousing endorsement from teammate Marnus Labuschagne, who believes Smith would average in the 60s as an opener

At stumps, he was unbeaten on a glacial 44 off 120 balls and Travis Head was not out on nine after nearly three hours' play were lost to rain.

Labuschagne needed medical attention after being struck on the right hand by debutant Khurram Shahzad early in the second innings in Perth before top-edging the Pakistan quick to be out for two.

Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with 71 after Australia were invited to bat first at the world's biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

More rain is forecast for Sunday's final day at Old Trafford and a draw would mean Australia, as the holders, retained the Ashes regardless of the result in the fifth and final Test at the Oval next week

Marnus Labuschagne said he holds himself to a "higher standard" after his struggles in the opening Ashes test and is looking to rediscover top form in time for the second match at Lord's.

Spin king Nathan Lyon bagged six wickets, including century-maker Kraigg Brathwaite, as Australia ground down a gutsy West Indies to win the first Test in Perth by 164 runs on Sunday.