Labuschagne scores 111 in Australia warm-up match

Marnus Labuschagne scored 111 runs from 89 balls in Australia’s warm-up match against the CSA Invitation XI in Potchefstroom, reaching his century in 76 deliveries with 19 fours. The innings strengthened his case to retain the No. 3 position for the Test series against South Africa, though Australia has not confirmed its first-Test team. Labuschagne retired after making his hundred, allowing other batters to take time in the middle. Australia scored 368 for six in reply to the Invitation XI’s 318 for seven, made before the home side declared, and the match was drawn. Steve Smith scored 61 and Alex Carey made 57, while Beau Webster added 42. The century came amid questions about Labuschagne’s recent Test form. Reports said he had not scored a Test hundred in more than three years and had averaged 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes. His innings in Potchefstroom was his first century in any form of cricket for 11 months, according to reports. The Invitation XI attack was described as modest or below the level he is likely to face in the Tests, making the warm-up performance a limited measure of what lies ahead.