Marnus Labuschagne scored 111 in Australia’s warm-up match, while Cameron Green remains in doubt with an abdominal strain.
Marnus Labuschagne scored 111 in Australia’s two-day warm-up match before the first Test against South Africa. The century was his first in 11 months and came five days before the series opener in Durban. He reached three figures from 76 balls and finished with 111 from 89 deliveries, including 19 fours.
Australia closed its innings at 6 for 368 against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI. Steve Smith made 61 and Alex Carey 57 before retiring to give teammates more batting practice. The match was drawn.
Cameron Green remains a doubt for the first Test after suffering an abdominal strain in the final one-day international. He did not bat, bowl or field during the warm-up and was limited to conditioning work in Potchefstroom. If Green is unavailable, Cooper Connolly could come into the middle order. Selectors also have reserve options Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper, while Beau Webster has previously covered for Green.
Labuschagne’s innings ended a difficult run and followed questions about his place in Australia’s Test side. Former captain Ricky Ponting had called his position untenable after three years and 43 Test innings without a century. The warm-up was played at Senwes Park, less than 50 kilometres from Labuschagne’s birthplace, Klerksdorp.
The first Test in Durban begins Friday. Australia’s final combination will also depend on Green’s fitness and the pitch at Kingsmead. South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje is in line for a first-class return after an absence of about three and a half years, the report said.