‘A lot of players are playing for their careers’: Simon Katich storms into batting as Australia fight for second Test rescue

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne, left, and Travis Head, left, right, on day four of the second cricket test match between South Africa and Australia in Gqeberha, South Africa. AP/PTI Australia are under pressure in the second Test against South Africa, with former batsman Simon Katich warning that several players could be fighting to save their place in the team. Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster all struggled in the match, leaving Australia with something to prove on the final day in Gqeberha.Australia ended the day at 4,156/4 after being asked to continue, still trailing South Africa by 170 runs. Labuschagne scored 39 before dropping his wicket with an attacking shot against spinner Simon Harmer. Despite getting starts in recent matches, the batsman has struggled to convert them into big scores.Katich questioned Labuschagne’s decision to play an aggressive stroke as Australia looked to save the match. “A number of players are playing for their careers in this innings,” Katich told SEN radio.He added: “Only he knows what was going through his mind trying to get Harmer off the ground against the wind as Australia try to play for a draw.”Katich also questioned how the selectors would view the dismissal, pointing out that Labuschagne has been given several opportunities over the years.

Labuschagne under pressure as Australia defends

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald was also disappointed with Labuschagne’s latest failure. The 32-year-old has not scored a Test century since July 2023 and continues to struggle to turn promising starts into meaningful innings.“I feel like I’m repeating myself,” McDonald said, reflecting on Labuschagne’s repeated scores in the 1930s.He added that Australia had built a useful partnership and was beginning to recover from Labuschagne’s recall. “When you put in the hard work, you have to cash in and unfortunately that wasn’t the case with Marno. We were disappointed and he will be too,” the coach said.

South Africa are closing in as the pressure mounts

Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Kingsmead by 214 runs. However, South Africa fought back strongly in Gqeberha and declared 425/9 before dismissing Australia for just 99 in their first innings.Rain curtailed play in the first two days, but South Africa put themselves in a strong position to win the match. Travis Head, unbeaten on 87, and nightwatchman Scott Boland will continue Australia’s final day innings.Australia’s management could face further scrutiny if the visitors lose, especially after Nathan Lyon’s omission from the playing XI drew criticism.