Marnus Labuschagne ducks at Newlands as Test spot hangs in balance
Marnus Labuschagne scored zero in the deciding Test, deepening doubts about his place in the team after two years of struggling form.
Marnus Labuschagne made a four-ball duck at Newlands against South African spinner Simon Harmer. The 32-year-old has been under pressure for two years as his Test average has fallen from a peak above 60.
Selectors had held faith he would recover but this was a critical chance to prove he belonged. Marnus Labuschagne went back to Harmer's fourth ball with a prodding defence, getting a thick edge to first slip.
Earlier in the series he made good starts in the first two Tests, but was criticised for a second-innings dismissal in Gqeberha. He attempted to hit over the fence on 39 while batting to save the match.
He has one final innings before Australia's home summer against New Zealand to convince selectors he should stay.
- 32
- Player age
- 0 off 4 balls
- Score in this Test
- above 60
- Previous average
- 2 years
- Years under pressure
Why it mattersA player's Test career can end on a poor run of form; a duck in a deciding match under pressure makes the case for change harder to resist.
AustraliaAn Australian cricket star is running out of chances to regain his place for matches at home, where selectors will face tough calls on the squad.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 55 min ago
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