Marnus Labuschagne hit 111 off a modest CSA Invitation XI attack in Australia's tour match at Potchefstroom, reaching his hundred in 76 balls. He has not made a Test century in more than three years, but now looks set to keep the No. 3 spot for the opening Test in Durban.
Marnus Labuschagne found his touch at the right time. In a two-day tour match against a CSA Invitation XI at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, he retired on 111 after reaching his hundred in 76 balls. It came less than 50km down the N12 from his home town of Klerksdorp, at the ground where he made his maiden ODI century in 2020.
| CSA Invitation XI vs Australia, tour match | |
|---|---|
| Venue | Senwes Park, Potchefstroom |
| Dates | 3 and 4 October 2026 |
| CSA Invitation XI | 318 for 7 declared (Neil Brand 152, Jean du Plessis 41; Josh Hazlewood 1-17) |
| Australia | 368 for 6 (Marnus Labuschagne 111 retired, Steven Smith 61 retired, Alex Carey 57) |
| Result | Match drawn |
In control from the start
Apart from one thick edge through gully, Labuschagne was in control throughout, driving strongly and clipping well. The context matters, though: the Invitation XI attack was modest and below first-class standard, so this was a century to build confidence on rather than a verdict on his form. Steven Smith also retired on 61, and Alex Carey made 57 as Australia finished on 368 for 6. The Invitation XI had declared on 318 for 7, with Neil Brand scoring 152 and Josh Hazlewood taking 1-17.
The numbers behind the pressure
Labuschagne has not scored a Test century in more than three years and has averaged 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes. His place at No. 3 has been under huge scrutiny. After this innings, he now appears certain to keep it for the opening Test against South Africa in Durban (Kingsmead), which starts on 9 October 2026.
One hundred against a weak attack does not erase three years of runs, and the Tests will be a much harder examination. But the timing, days before the series begins and close to where he grew up, is exactly what he needed.
Back your out-of-form player at the right moment
This is the BuildXI lesson: form is not permanent, and neither is a slump. You spin eleven real IPL squads from 2008 to 2025, take one player from each, and play fourteen league games with the XI you end up with. A batter with a poor recent record can still be the right pick when the conditions and the moment suit him, so look at where and when a player is likely to flourish, not just at his last few scores. The target is 14-0: fourteen games, fourteen wins.