Reassessing Selection: Australia head coach Andrew McDonald admitted that the team will need to reassess Marnus Labuschagne's place in the Test squad following a difficult tour of South Africa. Labuschagne scored 0 and 4 in Cape Town, leaving him without a half-century in his last 16 Test innings (averaging 23.66 since his recall during the previous Ashes). "It's still a very good cricket team with a lot of very good players in there," he said. "Some legends of the game, or down the path they will be acknowledged as legends of the game. So we've got to balance that out with who comes in, what the next decisions are. Age Profile Review: McDonald acknowledged that selectors are constantly evaluating the overall "age profile" of the squad as they weigh upcoming transitions against established senior players. Batting Positives & Tour Reflections Bright Spots: Despite a 2-1 series defeat—highlighted by team collapses of 99 and 111—McDonald pointed to encouraging development in the batting unit. He highlighted Cameron Green's efforts and Josh Inglis's century in the final Test (scored after coming in as a last-minute replacement for the injured Steven Smith). Resilience on Tour: McDonald emphasized that winning away from home is inherently challenging, though he maintained that the team believed they were capable of taking the series. Key Player Updates Ahead of the New Zealand Series Steven Smith: McDonald confirmed that Smith's difficult tour and neck issue have not pushed him toward retirement. Smith's absence from the deciding Test was deemed the right precautionary decision after his nerve-block injection wore off. He may play a Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales to prepare for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Nathan Lyon: Despite taking six wickets at 43.66 during the series, Lyon's position as Australia's premier spinner is not under immediate review, and he is expected to prepare for the first Test in Perth.