48 Test innings without a century: Marnus Labuschagne hits record low as new guard stand lifts South Africa, Australia tourists

Labuschagne’s unwanted mark

Labuschagne was out for a low score on day two in Cape Town, continuing a long run without a Test hundred. He has now gone 48 innings without reaching three figures, a new record for an Australian top-order batter.

Former Australia fast bowler Gillespie said he did not expect another player to be given such a long opportunity. He added that the sample was large enough for Australia to consider looking elsewhere. Ricky Ponting had called for Labuschagne to be dropped in August.

Labuschagne had made starts in three or four innings in the series, but failed to build on scores above 30. Against spinner Simon Harmer, he played back to a full delivery and edged to slip.

Younger batters take charge

Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis each made a half-century, lifting Australia into a position of control. Their efforts followed a difficult spell in which Marco Jansen dismissed Renshaw and Green in successive overs before tea.

Inglis was especially effective against South Africa’s spinners, using cuts and sweeps. Australia were 330-4 and led by one run, with the possibility that Labuschagne could bat again if South Africa were dismissed soon enough.

Questions over the next lineup

Green made 65, showing composure despite limited preparation with the red ball since March and a broken finger. His innings followed a career-best 190 in Durban and could strengthen his prospects of returning to England next summer.

Australia captain Steve Smith is expected to return for the next Test against New Zealand in December. That could shift Green and Inglis from their current positions at four and five, while Inglis has limited first-class experience at number three: three matches, an average of 12.66 and a highest score of 29.

The performances offered a glimpse of Australia’s future, but they did not settle how the team will arrange its batting order. Labuschagne may still have another opportunity in this Test, depending on how the match develops.