Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne is facing growing questions over his place in the Test team after another disappointing series against South Africa. The 32-year-old extended his wait for a Test century to 49 innings, with his latest failure coming in the decisive third Test at Newlands, Cape Town.
Labuschagne managed just four runs from three balls in Australia’s second innings before Kagiso Rabada dismissed him leg before wicket (LBW) on October 31, 2026. He had also struggled in the first innings, scoring a duck from five deliveries. His eight-ball appearance across the match summed up a difficult outing for a batter who was once considered one of the most reliable members of Australia’s Test batting order.
The bigger concern is that this was not an isolated failure. Labuschagne has struggled for consistency over several series, and his prolonged absence of three-figure scores has raised questions about whether Australia should continue backing him at No. 3.
Marnus Labuschagne’s Test century drought reaches 49 innings
Labuschagne’s last Test century came against England at Old Trafford in Manchester in July 2023. Since scoring that hundred, he has gone 49 innings without reaching three figures, covering a period of approximately 39 months.
According to the supplied career figures, he has scored 1,094 runs at an average of 24.31 during this period. His record includes nine half-centuries, but he has repeatedly failed to convert promising starts into match-defining innings.
His highest score since that Manchester century is 90, which came against New Zealand in Christchurch in March 2024. He has crossed 50 on nine occasions without managing another hundred.
The numbers are particularly concerning because Labuschagne occupies the important No. 3 position. A successful batter in that role is expected to provide stability after an early wicket and build partnerships with the middle order. Australia’s struggles at the position have made his prolonged dip in form even more significant.
South Africa series exposes Australia’s No. 3 problem
The three-Test series against South Africa offered Labuschagne another opportunity to silence his critics. However, he finished with 131 runs from six innings at an average of 21.83.
| Match innings | Runs |
|---|---|
| First Test, innings 1 | 37 |
| First Test, innings 2 | 37 |
| Second Test, innings 1 | 14 |
| Second Test, innings 2 | 39 |
| Third Test, innings 1 | 0 |
| Third Test, innings 2 | 4 |
| Total | 131 |
His inability to produce a substantial innings became a major concern for Australia. Against South Africa’s quality bowling attack, he struggled to settle at the crease and was repeatedly dismissed before he could build momentum.
His recent annual Test numbers also underline the problem. In 2024, he scored 464 runs at 30.93 across nine Tests. The following year, his average dropped to 20.85, with 271 runs in eight matches. His 2026 returns have also failed to meet the expectations attached to an established top-order batter.
The bigger issue is not simply the absence of centuries. Australia need their No. 3 batter to deliver consistent contributions, particularly against high-quality bowling attacks in challenging conditions.
From 2019 Ashes hero to a difficult period
Labuschagne’s current struggles are a considerable contrast to the player who emerged during the 2019 Ashes series in England.
He originally made his Test debut against Pakistan in Dubai in October 2018. However, his career took off when he replaced Steve Smith as a concussion substitute at Lord’s during the 2019 Ashes.
Labuschagne scored 59 in the second innings and made the most of the opportunity. He subsequently became an important part of Australia’s Test batting lineup, developing a reputation for concentration, patience and the ability to score big hundreds.
His best period came between 2019 and 2022. He scored 1,104 Test runs in 2019 at an average of 64.94, followed by 957 runs at 56.29 in 2022.
He eventually became one of the world’s leading Test batters and reached the No. 1 position in the ICC Test batting rankings.
However, the consistency that once defined his batting has gradually disappeared. His career Test average, which had previously climbed above 60, has fallen to around 42.64.
Who could replace Marnus Labuschagne in Australia’s Test team?
Australia now have some important selection decisions to make before their next Test assignment. Two names who could come into consideration for the No. 3 position are Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly.
Josh Inglis has strengthened his case with his batting performances. He scored a century in the first innings of the Cape Town Test, demonstrating his ability to make a substantial contribution against South Africa.
Although Inglis has primarily been known for his wicketkeeping and white-ball batting, his flexibility could make him an attractive option for Australia’s middle order.
Cooper Connolly is another interesting possibility. The young left-handed batter made his Test debut in February 2025 and has been included in Australia’s plans as a potential long-term batting option.
Connolly offers an additional left-arm spin option, which could provide Australia with greater balance. However, his limited Test experience means selectors would need to consider whether he is ready for the responsibility of batting at No. 3.
There is also the possibility of reshuffling the existing batting order, although Australia will need to balance short-term results with their plans for the future.
Australia selector George Bailey had previously acknowledged that the team wanted more runs from Labuschagne while maintaining confidence in his ability to contribute. His latest performance will make that confidence increasingly difficult to justify.
For now, Labuschagne’s place in the Australian Test team remains a major talking point rather than a confirmed departure. A poor run of form does not erase his achievements, but international cricket offers very little protection based on past performances.
The coming selection decision could prove crucial for both the player and Australia’s long-term batting plans.
Is this the end of Marnus Labuschagne’s Test career, or can he produce another comeback? His performances over the next few months could determine the answer.
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