Marnus Labuschagne is set to bat at number 3 in SA vs AUS 1st Test | Source- AFPAustralia landed on the South African shores with a lot of questions, but Marnus Labuschagne has revived one of the headaches even before the start of the first Test against the Proteas. The Australian number 3 has not scored a Test hundred since 2023, and his place is under scrutiny after the team lost to Bangladesh in Darwin earlier in August. However, the team management and the national selectors kept their faith in the 32-year-old. Marnus Labuschagne hits rapid century in tour game before SA TestsDuring the tour game against CSA Invitation XI at NWC Oval in Potchefstroom, Marnus Labuschagne answered his critics in style by scoring a rapid century. Coming to the crease in the ninth over, the compact batter never looked in trouble, as he added 42 runs with Matt Renshaw before taking the charge against the home bowlers, along with former Aussie captain Steve Smith.As he raced to the three-figure mark in just 76 deliveries, the Queenslander smacked as many as 17 boundaries during his exhibition knock. Also Read: Watch- Matt Short's One-Handed Stunner Ruins Marnus Labuschagne's 1st Innings After ODI SnubThe South Africa-born player is on his maiden Test tour to the country, although he has already stamped his authority in the shorter formats there. Notably, both his ODI centuries have come in South Africa, where he averages 61.71 after eight innings.Currently, batting well after scoring a rapid century, Labuschagne would likely retain his place in the starting XI for the first Test vs South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, starting next week on October 9.Australia add Nic Maddinson, Sam Harper to Test squad amid injury concernsFor their first Test tour since the Sandpaper incident, Australia are in no mood to take any risk, both on and off the field. So Cricket Australia called up Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper on an SOS call to join the Test squad in South Africa. The two middle-order batters have been added as replacements for an injured Josh Inglis, after their spectacular run for Australia A side in India. Additionally, Cameron Green is recovering from an abdominal strain, with a final call on his fitness to be made before the first match. Pat Cummins’ unit will play three Test matches against the Proteas, starting with the Durban Test, before the caravan moves to Gqeberha and Cape Town. Also Read: Pakistan's Poor Performance Leads PCB To 25 Cr Loss In Broadcast Rights Deal- Report
