![Labuschagne scored a duck vs South Africa [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793185557257_LabuschagnescoredaduckvsSouthAfrica.jpg?type=hq)
Labuschagne scored a duck vs South Africa [Source: AFP]
Marnus Labuschagne had two innings in the Cape Town Test to salvage his place in the red-ball side, and he wasted one innings as the Australian number 3 was dismissed for a duck by Simon Harmer, and the batter created an unwanted record.
He came into bat after Travis Head’s dismissal, and a solid platform was set by the opener before he departed. However, Labuschagne failed to capitalise on the opportunity and was sent packing for a 5-ball duck as he entered the unwanted record books.
Labuschagne creates unwanted feat with 5-ball duck
The Australian number 3 was dismissed without opening his account, and he has now gone 15 Test innings without a fifty, and 48 without a hundred in red-ball cricket.
He surpassed Alick Bannerman’s 47-innings drought (1879-93) for the longest century drought by an Australian top-four batter.
Harmer bowled a delivery that was pitched outside the off. Labuschagne didn’t move his feet as he poked with hard hands, and the outside edge was taken at first slip as problems continued for the struggling Australian batter.
Labuschagne's Test place under threat after another poor performance
It was in the 2023 Ashes series in England when the right-handed batter last scored a Test century. Since then, the barren run has continued as he has struggled for runs.
The numbers have dropped massively, and since the start of 2024, the Australian batter has scored just 983 runs in 23 Tests, with an average of 26.57.
After the second Test against South Africa, Australian captain openly stated that Labuschagne scoring 30 runs is not good, hinting that his time could be up in the Australian Test team.
"The hardest thing about opening or batting No.3 is actually getting yourself in. So he’s actually doing the hard bit. He’s getting to thirties. He’s got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores. Thirties aren’t going to win you too many matches," Cummins admitted.
How Labuschagne has fared in the ongoing South Africa series?
Interestingly, as Cummins said, Labuschagne has been getting starts in the ongoing series, but he has failed to convert them into meaningful big scores.
He scored 37 runs (twice) in the first Test in Durban against the Proteas, and the batter also registered 39 in the second innings of the second Test. However, every time he looked comfortable, the Proteas found a way to dismiss him. So far, he has accumulated 127 runs in the South Africa series, and has one more innings left.
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