Live Update: Labuschagne scores century in low-intensity Potchefstroom warm-up He pears certain to retain his spot at No.
3 for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban next week The three who matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah all smiles after dismissing Pat Cummins The three who matter: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah all smiles after dismissing Pat Cummins, India vs Australia, World Cup, Chennai, October 8, 2023 The smile of a champion – Mohammed Siraj picked up five wickets in a ten-ball period, India vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup final, Colombo, September 17, 2023 Alyssa Healy poses with the trophy after Australia retained the Ashes, England vs Australia, 3rd ODI, Women’s Ashes, Taunton, July 18, 2023 A general view of the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Punjab Kings vs Delhi Citals, IPL 2024, Mullanpur, March 23, 2024 Australia 368 for 6 (Labuschagne 111, Smith 61, Carey 57) drew with CSA Invitation XI 318 for 7 (Neil Brand 152, du Plessis 41, Hazlewood 1-17) Less than 50km from where he was born, Marnus Labuschagne helped himself to a rid confidence-boosting century as Australia wound up their warm-up game with a day at the crease. Labsuchagne, who is from Klerksdorp down the N12 highway from Potchefstroom, brought up his hundred from just 76 balls before retiring a short time later. The CSA Invitational XI bowling attack was modest and in truth below first-class standard but, except for one thick edge that flew through gully, Labuschagne was in control throughout and unfurled a series of strong drives and clips.
After Neil Brand’s century had dominated the opening day as Australia carefully managed their bowlers, the visiting openers couldn’t make the most of starts in friendly conditions but the rest of the top order all spent considerable time in the middle. Travis Head was superbly held in the slips by Jiveshan Pillay at the second attempt and Matt Renshaw edged Christopher King, the most impressive of the seamers, from round the wicket. Renshaw hadn’t fielded yesterday after the blow on the wrist in the final ODI last week but being at the crease on Sunday confirmed there were no lingering concerns.
Renshaw was recalled to the Test side against Bangladesh in Mackay when Jake Weatherald was dropped, becoming the latest in a revolving door of openers Australia have used since early 2024. Labuschagne dominated the scoring as he and Steven Smith added 115 for the third wicket. Smith was far from his fluent best and at times peared frustrated, but it was hardly the type of contest to get his competitive juices flowing.
He started to free himself up as he reached fifty and then retired at the tea interval. Beau Webster was given the chance at No. 5 ahead of Alex Carey and Cooper Connolly who have had recent time at the crease in the ODI series.
When Carey came in after Smith finished, he survived a strong lbw peal first ball when sweeping left-armer Jade de Klerk. It took Carey 16 balls to get off the mark, but he then reached fifty from just another 41 as he and Webster added 76 before the latter also retired. Carey then drove to cover against Brand before Connolly, who will be in line to play in Durban if Cameron Green is unfit, and Pat Cummins saw out the day when hands were shaken with 16 overs unbowled.
Nic Maddinson joined the squad in Potchefstroom on Saturday evening after his surprise recall . Australia will relocate to Durban on Monday where this tour will go to another level. He pears certain to retain his spot at No.
3 for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban next week He pears certain to retain his spot at No. 3 for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban next week Thirty-year-old allrounder made his Test debut as ctain for a makeshift squad to New Zealand two years ago, and struck a century during Australia’s warm-up game in Potchefstroom Neil Brand’s century gave Titans a strong platform, Titans vs Boland, 4-Day Franchise Series, Division 1, Paarl, 1st day, November 25, 2021 None of the five frontline pacers bowled over ten overs, Green did not feature, and Renshaw’s recovery saw positive signs Neil Brand sends one through the off side, New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Hamilton, 3rd day, February 15, 2024 The Victoria wicketkeeper arrived in South Africa late Friday after being called up as a replacement for Josh Inglis Sam Harper has been consistent behind the stumps this season, Tasmania vs Victoria, Sheffield Shield, Hobart, March 6, 2026 SA vs Aus Test series – ‘I pride myself on problem-solving’ – Beau Webster prepares for South Africa initiation With Cameron Green a potentially doubtful starter at Kingsmead, Webster’s adtability may have to come to the fore He pears certain to retain his spot at No. 3 for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban next week A wide-angle view of The Wanderers, South Africa v West Indies, 5th ODI, Johannesburg, February 3, 2008 SA vs AUS 2026/27, SA-XI vs AUS Tour Match Match Report, October 03 – 04, 2026 – Labuschagne scores century in low-intensity Potchefstroom warm-up SA vs AUS 2026/27, CSA Inv XI vs Australia Match Report: He pears certain to retain his spot at No.
3 for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban next week He pears certain to retain his spot at No. 3 for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban next week Marnus Labuschagne got to his hundred in 76 balls in Potchefstroom • Labuschagne’s retention highlights Australia’s biggest concern Two stories collide in Maddinson’s remarkable Test recall Puducherry to Potch: Harper’s rid rise to Australia’s Test squad Nortje: ‘I’ll be very excited if I can put my Test c on again’ Andrew McGlashan reported on Brand goes big as Australia flip through Test plans
