Labuschagne sets Australian record for Test innings without a century

Marnus Labuschagne’s wait for a Test century has reached a record 48 consecutive innings, as Australia’s younger batters lifted the tourists into a strong position against South Africa in Cape Town.

Labuschagne made no runs from five balls on day two of the third Test, caught at slip off Simon Harmer. Australia were 330-4 at stumps, one run ahead after South Africa made 329. Josh Inglis was unbeaten on 85, with Alex Carey alongside him.

The run without a century is a record for an Australian batter in the top four, according to BBC Sport. Labuschagne has not reached three figures in a Test since scoring 111 at Old Trafford in 2023. The BBC reported his average since then as 24.77.

His dismissal came with Australia under pressure at 58-2, after Travis Head and Labuschagne had gone. With Steve Smith absent from the decisive Test through a neck injury, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green and Inglis each made a half-century. Inglis and Carey added an unbroken 145-run stand.

Renshaw made 74, following a career-best 190 in Durban, while Green scored 65. Inglis, who had not played red-ball cricket since March and had been restricted in his preparation by a broken finger, finished the day unbeaten.

Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie told ABC that the record run was unlikely to be broken, saying he did not think another player would be given as long to recover their form. He also said Australia needed to look elsewhere, given the size of the sample. Former batter Ricky Ponting had called for Labuschagne to be dropped in August.

The performances offer Australia options, but do not settle the batting order. Smith is expected to return for the next Test, against New Zealand in December. Green and Inglis would then likely move from their current positions, while Inglis has limited first-class experience at number three: three matches, averaging 12.66, with a highest score of 29.

Australia’s lead is only one run, and South Africa still have a chance to regain control. But the day’s batting has sharpened questions over Labuschagne’s place in the side and shown the selectors other players can contribute under pressure.