Labuschagne’s warm-up century strengthens Australia Test case

Marnus Labuschagne scored 111 before retiring as Australia made 368 for six in a drawn two-day warm-up match against an Invitation XI, reported on 4 October, ahead of the first Test against South Africa in Durban. The innings was described by The Guardian as his first century in any form for 11 months.²

Warm-up response

Labuschagne’s hundred came amid scrutiny of his position in Australia’s side. The Guardian reported that the 32-year-old, who was born in South Africa, completed the century from 76 balls. It said he had not scored a Test century for three years and 43 matches, although the BBC later gave a different figure, reporting that his run without a Test hundred stood at 44 innings after he made 37 in Durban.¹²

Steve Smith made 61 before retiring, while Alex Carey scored 57. Beau Webster retired on 42, Travis Head was out for 21 and Matt Renshaw made 32 after a wrist knock. Australia used 11 bowlers, while the Invitation XI declared at 318 for seven after former Proteas captain Neil Brand made a century.²

Renshaw said Labuschagne looked energetic at the crease and was batting like the player he knew to be in form. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had said Labuschagne’s place in the side had become untenable, according to The Guardian.²

Selection questions

Australia’s preparation was complicated on 6 October when Cameron Green was ruled out of the first Test after failing to overcome an abdominal strain sustained in the final ODI. Coach Andrew McDonald said: "He won’t be available for the first Test match". McDonald said the team would focus on Green returning as a batter and that bowling later in the series was considered too high-risk.²

The Guardian reported that Australia could choose between Cooper Connolly and Nic Maddinson at No 5, while Head was expected to continue as opener and Carey at No 6. Webster’s prospects of retaining his place as a fourth seamer increased, while Matt Kuhnemann was touring as a second spinner but was unlikely to be selected ahead of one of three frontline quicks.²

Developments in Durban

Maddinson was added to Australia’s squad after Josh Inglis fractured a finger. On 9 October, the BBC reported that Maddinson returned to Australia’s Test side after almost 10 years since his previous three Tests, having been selected over the 23-year-old Connolly as Green’s replacement. Maddinson was bowled by Marco Jansen for a 33-ball duck, with the BBC describing it as the longest scoreless innings by an Australian Test opener.¹²

The BBC reported that Australia’s named XI was, for the first time in its history, made up entirely of players older than 30. By the midpoint of the first day, Australia were 127 for six, with Renshaw the only remaining frontline batter listed. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg defended the choice of Maddinson, saying: "Clearly our selectors have a firm view he is a talent and that is why they picked him".¹

For South Africa, paceman Anrich Nortje was expected to be named in a 15-player Test squad after three-and-a-half years away from first-class cricket because of back and hip problems. He said he would be excited to wear the Test cap again, while South Africa strike bowler Kagiso Rabada’s fitness was in doubt.²