No 50 in last three years! Labuschagne's lean patch lands in with unwanted record

Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne extended his unwanted record on Wednesday, going 48 Test innings without a century as Australia reached 90/2 at lunch on Day 2 of the decisive third Test against South Africa at Newlands.His ongoing drought is now the longest among Australian top-four batters, with his last Test hundred coming in July 2023.Australia reached 90 for two at lunch on Day 2 of the decisive third Test against South Africa on Wednesday, after spinner Simon Harmer took two wickets in his first over.Australia are still 239 runs behind South Africa’s first-innings total of 329, with eight wickets remaining.

Matt Renshaw remained unbeaten on 27, while Cameron Green was on 17 at the break.

The pair will look to rebuild Australia’s innings in the afternoon session.

Harmer strikes, Labuschagne struggles

Australia made a steady start, reaching the first drinks break without losing a wicket. Renshaw and Travis Head added 58 runs for the opening stand before Harmer changed the game with two quick strikes.Head was bowled for 41 after chopping the ball onto his stumps while playing off the back foot. Five balls later, Marnus Labuschagne was caught at slip by Aiden Markram for a duck, leaving Australia struggling at 58-2.

Labuschagne’s dismissal extended his disappointing run in Test cricket. He has now gone 48 innings without a century, having last scored a hundred in July 2023. This is the longest century drought for an Australian batter in the top four.Renshaw, who was promoted to open after Nic Maddinson was dropped following poor performances in the first two Tests, showed patience at the crease. He last opened in Test cricket in 2018, also against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Renshaw and Green added 32 runs in nine overs to steady Australia before lunch.

Series decider could decide World No. 1

The three-match series is level at 1-1, making the final Test crucial for both teams. Australia won the opening match in Durban by 214 runs, but South Africa bounced back in Gqeberha with an innings-and-31-run victory.The winner of the Newlands Test will claim the top spot in the Test world rankings, currently held by Australia. With South Africa having posted 329 in their first innings, Australia face an important challenge in the remaining sessions.