By Salma El-Sakka
Australia trail South Africa by one run at 330-4 on day two of the decisive third Test in Cape Town, but the tourists' position owes little to Marnus Labuschagne, whose prolonged slump reached a new low.
Labuschagne's Record Wait for a Century
Labuschagne was dismissed for a duck after five balls, extending his century drought to 48 consecutive Test innings – a record for an Australian top-four batter. The 32-year-old has not reached three figures since the 2023 Ashes, averaging just 24.77 in that span compared to 65 during his peak years. Former fast bowler Jason Gillespie said the record "will never be broken" because selectors are unlikely to grant such an extended run again.
Renshaw, Green and Inglis Step Up
With Steve Smith sidelined by a neck injury, Australia were 58-2 when Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis steadied the innings. Renshaw made 74, adding to his career-best 190 in Durban, while Green compiled 65 with uncharacteristic composure. Inglis, unbeaten on 85, shared an unbroken 145-run stand with Alex Carey to put Australia in the ascendancy.
Selection Dilemma Looms
Smith's return for the next Test against New Zealand in December will force a reshuffle. Green and Inglis have batted at four and five in this match, but neither has a proven record at number three. Labuschagne's place appears increasingly untenable after another failure under intense scrutiny.
