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Marnus Labuschagne has strengthened his case to retain his place at No. 3 for Australia's upcoming Test series against South Africa after producing a rapid century in the tour game against the CSA Invitation XI. His 111 came at a crucial time as questions continue to surround his position in the Test side.
Labuschagne has not scored a Test century in more than three years and has averaged just 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes. However, his latest innings has provided Australia with a timely reminder of his ability ahead of the first Test in Durban, with his place in the XI appearing secure.
Marnus Labuschagne all but secures No. 3 spot in SA Tests after warm-up ton
Australia finished their warm-up match on 368 for 6 before the game was drawn, with Labuschagne, Steven Smith and Alex Carey all making substantial contributions. Marnus Labuschagne was the standout performer, reaching his century from only 76 balls before retiring shortly afterwards.
Overall, Marnus Labuschagne scored 111 runs off 89 balls, with 19 fours before retiring. The opposition attack was below the standard he will face in the Test series, but he looked comfortable for most of his innings, finding the gaps with drives and clips through the field.
His century was also a significant confidence boost given the scrutiny surrounding his Test position. Labuschagne last reached three figures in Test cricket more than three years ago, while his average since the 2023 Ashes has remained a concern.
Australia's other top-order batters also had useful time in the middle. Travis Head was dismissed for 22, while Matt Renshaw made 32 before Steven Smith scored 61. Labuschagne and Smith added 115 for the third wicket before both retired.
Beau Webster made 42 at No. 5, while Carey scored 57 from 66 balls. Cooper Connolly remained unbeaten on 20 alongside captain Pat Cummins when Australia ended their innings.
The CSA Invitation XI had earlier made 318 for 7, led by Neil Brand's 152. Australia will now travel to Durban for the first Test, with Nic Maddinson having joined the squad following his surprise recall.
It looks like Marnus Labuschagne has got a lot of energy at the crease - Matt Renshaw
Marnus Labuschagne's innings also drew praise from Matt Renshaw, who felt the batter looked more like the player Australia have become accustomed to seeing.
"It looks like he (Marnus Labuschagne) has got a lot of energy at the crease, which is nice," Renshaw said after the tour match.
"It's the Marn (Labuschagne) that I know that's batting well. Really nice to see him getting the runs ... his feet were moving well, and he was just reacting."
Matt Renshaw also had a positive outing after concerns over his wrist following the final ODI against South Africa. He scored 32 at the top of the order and said the injury was nothing serious.
"I had a good couple of days of recovery and fortunately nothing serious in there, just a bit of swelling (on his hand)," Renshaw said.
Australia sweating on Cameron Green's fitness before South Africa Tests
Australia's biggest selection concern remains Cameron Green's fitness. Green suffered an unusual abdominal injury during the final ODI after being struck by a full toss from Corbin Bosch while bowling.
His recovery timeline remains unclear, with Australia also trying to understand how the injury could affect his batting and bowling.
"It's a unique enough injury that even our staff were saying, we're going to go look at some other cases to see if we can get some more information on functionality with it, how long it takes to be fully healed, [and the] difference between batting and bowling," George Bailey said.
Green had also been dealing with a shoulder issue during the Test series against Bangladesh. He was expected to bowl in Potchefstroom but did not take part, leaving Australia with another fitness question ahead of the Durban Test.
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