Labuschagne faces Test axe after South Africa series loss

Marnus Labuschagne is reportedly facing removal from Australia’s Test team after the 2-1 series defeat in South Africa, Sky Sports reports. He made 0 and 4 in the deciding third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, and averaged 21.83 across the series.

Head coach Andrew McDonald said Australia will reassess the batter’s place and added that Labuschagne had not taken his opportunity on the tour.

A long wait for a hundred

Labuschagne has now gone 49 Test innings without a century, a drought that dates back to the 2023 Ashes.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had already called Labuschagne’s position untenable after a lean home return against Bangladesh.

How the series ended

South Africa won the third Test by 176 runs on day five to take the series 2-1. Chasing 288, Australia were bowled out for 111, with Simon Harmer taking 6 for 16.

What’s next

Australia now turn to white-ball cricket at home, hosting England for three ODIs and five T20Is in November and December. The first ODI against England is on Friday, 13 November at 9:00 AM IST.