Australia lost the second Test against South Africa by an innings and 31 runs, with Marnus Labuschagne dismissed for 39.
Labuschagne’s form has taken a nosedive since 2023, averaging just 29.7 from 66 innings and managing a single century, a stark contrast to his 2,990 runs at 62.3 between 2019 and 2022.
The turning point came when Labuschagne, after a patient 39, attempted a risky shot off Simon Harmer’s off‑spin and was holed out to Marco Jansen, snapping a 92‑run partnership with Travis Head that had kept Australia in the hunt.
“What the hell is that?” screamed Simon Katich from the commentary box as the wicket fell, a moment that underlined the fragility of the Australian batting line‑up.
Labuschagne’s slump is particularly troubling against pace; his average against fast bowlers dropped from 76 in 2020 to a mere 28 in 2023, a stark decline that could jeopardise his place in the middle order.
Australia will look to rebound in the next Test of the series, hoping to restore confidence at the number‑three slot.