Australia's batting under scrutiny in South Africa Test collapse
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 11:32 · Archive
Australia collapsed to 6-69 at lunch on day four of the third Test against South Africa, with Marnus Labuschagne dismissed for 14.
Australia collapsed to 6-69 at lunch on day four of the third Test in Gqeberha, with their batting under the microscope once again. Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 14 when he edged Anrich Nortje to Simon Harmer in the slips. Marco Jansen took four wickets to open the door for South Africa, who declared their first innings at 9(dec)-425. Steve Smith offered lone resistance with 26 not out, though he was also looking out of sorts with a neck issue.
South Africa can now pursue bowling Australia out for 225 or less to enforce a follow-on and move towards victory at St George's Park, which would level the series at 1-1 with one Test remaining. Labuschagne's position faces serious scrutiny. He has not scored a Test century since the fourth Test of the 2023 Ashes and was briefly dropped before being recalled. Coach Andrew McDonald declared in August he 'needs some big runs'. In four innings since against Bangladesh and South Africa, he has made scores of 4, 37, 37 and 14.
Nic Maddinson is also under threat after edging his fourth ball to slip off Kagiso Rabada on Tuesday night for a duck. Since his shock recall in the first Test, Maddinson has made scores of 0, 48 and 0, leaving his career average at 10.71.
How it is being reported
- Labuschagne's woes headline Australia's costly collapseMarnus Labuschagne's spot in Australia's side is back in focus as the tourists left the door wide open for South Africa on day four of the third Test.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 11:13
- Labuschagne's woes headline Australia's costly collapseMarnus Labuschagne's spot in Australia's side is back in focus as the tourists left the door wide open for South Africa on day four of the third Test.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 11:12
In this story: Marnus Labuschagne · Steve Smith · Marco Jansen · Simon Harmer · Nic Maddinson · Anrich Nortje · Kagiso Rabada · South Africa
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