No 50 in the last three years! Marnus Labuschagne’s slim patch lands with an unwanted entry

Marnus Labuschagne extended his unwanted record on Wednesday by going 48 Test innings without a century as Australia reached 90/2 at lunch on Day 2 of the decisive third Test against South Africa at Newlands.His ongoing drought is now the longest of Australia’s top four batsmen, with his last Test hundred coming in July 2023.Australia reached 90 for two at lunch on Day 2 of the crucial third Test against South Africa on Wednesday after spinner Simon Harmer claimed two wickets in his first over.Australia are still 239 runs short of South Africa’s innings total of 329 with eight wickets remaining.Matt Renshaw remained unbeaten on 27 while Cameron Green was at the break on 17. The pair will look to rebuild Australia’s innings in the afternoon.

Harmer attacks, Labuschagne fights

Australia started evenly and reached the first drinks break without losing a wicket. Renshaw and Travis Head added 58 runs to the opening stand before Harmer changed the game with two quick knocks.Head was bowled for 41 after chopping the ball onto his stumps while playing off the back foot. Five balls later, Marnus Labuschagne was caught at slip by Aiden Markram for a duck, leaving Australia struggling at 58-2.Labuschagne’s dismissal extended his disappointing run in Test cricket. He has now gone 48 innings without a century, with the last time he scored a hundred in July 2023. This is the longest century drought by an Australian top-four batsman.Promoted to open after Nic Maddinson was dropped after poor performances in the first two Tests, Renshaw showed patience at the crease. He last opened in Test cricket in 2018, also against South Africa in Johannesburg. Renshaw and Green added 32 runs in nine overs before lunch to stabilize Australia.

The referee of the series could decide on the world number one

The three-match series is tied 1-1, so the final test is crucial for both teams. Australia won the opener in Durban by 214 runs, but South Africa bounced back in Gqeberha with an innings and 31-run victory.The winner of the Newlands Test will claim the top spot in the world Test rankings, currently held by Australia. With South Africa posted for 329 in their first innings, Australia face an important challenge in the remaining sessions.