Labuschagne hits timely ton as Australia warm up for South Africa Tests — SkimNews
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- Marnus Labuschagne scored 111 from 89 balls, reaching his century in 76 deliveries with 19 fours, before retiring out against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI in Potchefstroom
- Steve Smith hit a half-century, retiring on 61, as he prepares for his first Test series in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal
- Australia named a squad featuring six survivors from the 2018 scandal — Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon — for the upcoming Tests
- Cameron Green missed the warm-up match due to an abdominal injury sustained in the final ODI against South Africa, raising doubts over his availability for the first Test
- Australia will face South Africa in three Tests starting in Durban on Friday, followed by matches in Gqeberha from October 18 and Cape Town from October 27
- Sky Sports will broadcast the first ball of the opening Test live from 8.30am on Friday, with coverage beginning at 7.30am
Why it matters: Labuschagne’s century directly challenges recent criticism about his form, including Ricky Ponting’s claim his spot had become 'untenable' after averaging 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes — making this performance a make-or-break moment for his immediate Test future.
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