Australia’s No.3 Crisis Deepens as Labuschagne Hits Historic Century‑Less Run

Third Test, Cape Town (day two of five)

South Africa 329: Ackerman 95; Starc 6-72

Australia 330-4: Inglis 85*; Jansen 2-37

Australia lead by one run

Scorecard

Marnus Labuschagne, once the face of Australia’s batting line‑up, is now confronting a troubling slump.

His mannerisms at the crease—chewing, chirping and often mirroring Steve Smith—have become a focal point as the team battles without its captain.

Smith’s absence due to a neck injury has left Australia relying on its number three to deliver in a decisive match.

On day two in Cape Town, Labuschagne was given a final opportunity to excel, but he lasted only five balls without scoring.

He failed to convert his 48th consecutive innings without a Test century, setting a new record for an Australian top‑order batsman’s wait for a three‑figure score.

“That will never be broken,” former Australia quick Jason Gillespie said on ABC. “I don’t think anyone will be given that length of time again.”

Labuschagne once enjoyed a remarkable run, posting a 65‑average after his 2019 Ashes debut as a concussion substitute, a figure that would rank just behind Sir Donald Bradman’s legendary record if maintained over a full career.

Since his last century at Old Trafford in 2023, however, his average has slipped to 24.77.

If Australia cannot force a result with their current 330‑for‑4 lead, Labuschagne may get another chance, though even that may prove insufficient.

“I just feel it is too far gone now,” Gillespie added. “It is a very big sample size. Australia are at a point where they need to look elsewhere.”

Analysts have scrutinised his technique as the slump continues, and former captain Ricky Ponting recently called for change.

“He can’t score off the back foot,” Ponting remarked bluntly.

After promising starts in several innings this series—only to be dismissed around the 30‑run mark—Labuschagne was again stuck playing a full ball and edged Simon Harmer to slip.

“That’s nerves and the pressure the selectors have put him under for an extended period,” former batsman Simon Katich noted on SEN Radio. “They put him in this position by not giving him a breather.”

All these issues appear to have converged, signalling a potential shift in Australia’s top‑order plans.

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