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Labuschagne Silences Critics with Century in Warm-Up Ahead of South Africa Series
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News18•04-10-2026, 23:39
Labuschagne Silences Critics with Century in Warm-Up Ahead of South Africa Series
- •Marnus Labuschagne scored 111 off 89 balls in Australia's warm-up match against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI, ending a prolonged wait for a century.
- •His quickfire hundred, achieved in just 76 balls with 19 fours, comes after 43 Test innings without a century and an average of 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes.
- •The innings is a timely boost for Labuschagne, whose place in the team was recently described as 'untenable' by former captain Ricky Ponting.
- •Despite criticism, Australia's selectors, including chief selector George Bailey, retained faith in Labuschagne, expecting him to bat at No. 3 in the upcoming Test series.
- •Steve Smith (61) and Alex Carey (57) also contributed with half-centuries as Australia finished their reply at 368/6.
Key Questions Answered
Marnus Labuschagne scored 111 runs off 89 deliveries against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI in Potchefstroom. He reached his century in just 76 balls with 19 fours before retiring out.
His selection faced criticism because he had gone 43 Test innings and over three years without a century, averaging 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes. Former captain Ricky Ponting noted his spot was untenable following low scores in the series against Bangladesh.
The first Test of the three-match series between Australia and South Africa is scheduled to begin in Durban on Friday, with the Test matches taking place in October 2026.
