Marnus Labuschagne has all but confirmed his place at No. 3 for the first Test against South Africa, hitting a century in Australia’s pre-series warm-up game.
Facing a Cricket South Africa Invitational XI in Potchefstroom, just 50 kilometres from Labuschagne’s Klerksdorp birthplace, the under-fire 32-year old ended an 11-month century drought in all formats to show signs of his damaging best at the perfect time.
While not without the occasional edge through the slips cordon, Labuschagne hit 19 fours to bring up three figures in just 76 balls, before retiring on 111 to give others some badly needed time at the crease.
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The innings comes at a vital time for the fallen star, who has averaged just 24.69 since his last Test century in July 2023, including a trio of failures in Australia’s recent series against Bangladesh.
However, the knock comes with several caveats.
In perfect batting conditions, Australia were untroubled in racking up 6/368 from 74 overs on the second day of the two-day match, with three of those wickets, Labuschagne’s included, retirements.
The CSA XI bowling attack was also far removed from what the tourists will face against the Proteas in Durban in the first Test starting on Friday evening (AEST).
A brief raise of the bat from the Queenslander to acknowledge the milestone summed up where the innings ranks among his career accomplishments.
Nevertheless, with Cameron Green in grave doubt after missing the tour match with the abdominal injury sustained in Australia’s third ODI against the Proteas last week, any sign Labuschagne’s form is picking up will gladden selectors’ hearts.
As would have Matt Renshaw’s presence at the top of the order, having not fielded on Day 1 of the match to avoid aggravating a wrist injury sustained alongside Green’s in the ODI series.
Renshaw made a steady 32 opening alongside Travis Head (22 off 21) before edging Christoper King behind, with his presence virtually guaranteeing him a spot at the top of the order in the first Test.
Steve Smith and Alex Carey each hit half-centuries as the match turned into a glorified net session, while Beau Webster managed 42 – albeit off 88 balls – before retiring.
Smith’s relaxed attitude to the match was summed up by some trademark antics in between balls, including some more work on his putting game – a repeat of a similar incident in the Bangladesh series in August.
Green’s availability is set to mark the only change to the Australian XI that thrashed the Tigers by an innings in Mackay, with Cooper Connolly (20 not out from 23 balls) and new squad additions Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper set to vie for the all-rounder’s spot.