Australia captain Pat Cummins has opened up about Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the Test squad for the upcoming South Africa tour. The right-arm fast bowler refused to guarantee Labuschagne’s selection for the overseas series amid his disappointing performances in Test cricket over the last three years.
Labuschagne scored four runs in Australia’s innings-and-51-run win over Bangladesh in the second Test at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The right-handed batter was bowled by Shoriful Islam after the ball deflected off his thigh pad onto the leg stump. He has now gone 23 Tests and 43 innings without a century.
Pat Cummins Addresses Marnus Labuschagne's Selection for South Africa Test
After the win, Pat Cummins was asked about Labuschagne’s place on the South Africa tour. Cummins said Labuschagne has been “batting fantastically well off the field” but needs to convert that into runs.
“I don't reckon I can guarantee anyone really. He's not scored the runs he would've liked,” Pat Cummins said. “I did say a couple of days ago – and I think it still stands – he's been batting fantastically well off the field. But it doesn't mean much. You've got to convert that into runs out there.”
“We've got a bit of time. Selectors will get together I'm sure in the next week or two and start nutting out that next Test squad. We know he's class when he's at his best, and going into this series we thought he was pretty close to his best. But he needs to start transferring that into runs out there, so we'll see in the next couple of weeks.”
'I cannot guarantee anyone, really' 🗣️ Cummins when asked if Marnus Labuschagne will be retained for the South Africa tour pic.twitter.com/e7ZArqtomo
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 23, 2026
Marnus Labuschagne did not receive a second batting opportunity in Mackay. Australia were bowled out for 210 runs in the first innings. Mitchell Starc completed his 10-wicket haul to dismiss Bangladesh for 95 in the second innings.
Marnus Labuschagne's Declining Form Ahead of South Africa Tour
Marnus Labuschagne last scored a Test century in July 2023 against England at Old Trafford. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, he has averaged only 25.43 in Test cricket. Notably, Australia dropped him for the Test series against the West Indies last year.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald had called for “big runs” from Labuschagne before the Mackay Test. However, the No. 3 batter managed only four runs after scoring 1 and 31 in Darwin. His recent decline has put his place under serious pressure.
The challenge will become tougher in South Africa, where Australia are expected to face a pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy have also backed a change at the top of Australia’s batting order.
Australia's Top-Order Struggles Extend Beyond Labuschagne
Australia’s batting problems go beyond Marnus Labuschagne. Since the start of 2024, their batters at positions one, two and three have averaged only 28.58. They have scored just four centuries from those positions, with three coming from Travis Head during the Ashes.
Head also had a poor Bangladesh series, scoring 22, 17, and 22 and chopping on in all three innings. His strong Ashes form gives him some breathing room, but Australia may need to reconsider his role against the new ball in tougher conditions.
Australia have also struggled to find a settled opening pair. Jake Weatherald scored 23 and 0 in Darwin before being dropped, while Matthew Renshaw returned in Mackay and made only eight. Alex Carey and Beau Webster also failed with the bat, leaving Australia with several concerns ahead of the South Africa tour.
