Despite the underwhelming form of Marnus Labuschagne and the scathing criticism from all quarters he’s received, including a particularly severe one from Ricky Ponting, the Australian selectors have not yet dropped or moved on from their incumbent No. 3 batter.
Labuschagne was named in the Australia squad for South Africa Test series that was announced on Monday. In addition to the 13 members that comprised the squad for the 2nd Test against Bangladesh, Australia have picked batting spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly, pacer Michael Neser, and left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.
While Ponting reckoned “it’s time to have a look at somebody else” for the No. 3 spot, the Australia chair of selectors George Bailey felt Labuschagne “can still make a positive contribution” in South Africa.
When was the last time Marnus Labuschagne scored a Test century?
Labuschagne’s century drought has extended to 43 innings, with his last Test hundred coming in July 2023. In this period, he has averaged only 24.69.
Last year, after the ICC WTC final, Labuschagne was dropped for the West Indies Test tour but found a way back in the team for the Ashes following outstanding performances in domestic cricket.
However, his return has been far from fruitful. He averaged 28 across 10 innings in the Ashes 2025/26 and managed scores of 1, 31, and 4 against Bangladesh.
Why Was Marnus Labuschagne Retained In Australia Squad For South Africa Test Series?
Bailey conceded that Labuschagne’s returns with the bat haven’t been up to expected levels, but he threw his weight behind the right-hander, pointing out that Labuschagne was dropped from the ODI squad that will take on Zimbabwe and South Africa to keep his focus entirely on the SA vs AUS Test series.
“We’re not shying away from the fact that we’d like some more runs from Marn. That’s clear. But we’re also confident that he can still make a positive contribution to that squad. I think Marn will continue to prepare and refine how he will prepare for this series,” Bailey said.
“There’s potentially a simplification or an ability to focus purely on red-ball cricket for him in the fact that he won’t be in the one-day series leading up to it. So that may be a benefit. I’m not sure around that. He’ll prepare incredibly well, and specifically for this tour. In that squad of 16, I’m confident that he can still make a positive contribution.”
Labuschagne’s place at No. 3, though, is not certain, with Josh Inglis and Connolly offering exciting options who could score quickly on what are expected to be pace-friendly pitches in South Africa.
Australia squad for South Africa Test series:
Pat Cummins (C), Alex Carey (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Michael Neser, Beau Webster, Scott Boland, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Lyon
South Africa vs Australia Test series schedule:
- 1st Test: October 9–13, 2026, Kingsmead Cricket Stadium, Durban
- 2nd Test: October 18–22, 2026, St. George’s Park in Gqeberha
- 3rd Test: October 27–31, 2026, Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
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