Australia National Cricket Team captain Pat Cummins faces some tough decisions ahead of the third and final Test against the South Africa National Cricket Team in Cape Town. Australia could make changes to its playing XI for the Cape Town encounter, but Marnus Labuschagne’s place seems to be safe.
With Cameron Green and Josh Inglis expected to be available for selection for the final Test, Labuschagne may still retain his place in Australia XI at Cape Town. Despite his poor run with the bat, Cummins has hinted that the experienced batter could get one final opportunity to prove himself. WTC Points Table after South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test, 2026.
Marnus Labuschagne likely to be retained for the Cape Town Test
Cummins did not dismiss the criticism that Australia’s first-innings batting performance was gutless after the team suffered an innings-and-31-run defeat in the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha. The loss exposed Australia’s batting problems as the three-match Test series tied at 1-1.
One of the biggest disappointments is Marnus Labuschagne, who has scored 37, 37, 14, and 39 in his four innings across the first two Tests in South Africa, putting his place in the team under serious pressure.
Despite the criticism, Labuschagne is likely to retain his place for the series decider. A Code Sports journalist posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Increasingly likely Marnus Labuschagne will hold his spot for the third Test.”
Increasingly likely Marnus Labuschagne will hold his spot for the third Test.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) October 23, 2026
Pat Cummins hints at one last chance for Marnus Labuschagne
Even Cummins said that Labuschagne is doing the difficult part by getting himself settled at the crease, but he needs to turn his starts into bigger scores to win matches for Australia.
However, the Australian captain stressed that there is no technical problem in Labuschagne’s batting. Amid this, Pat Cummins expects Cameron Green and Josh Inglis to be available for third South Africa Test.
Cummins said at the post-match press conference: “The hardest thing about opening or batting No. 3 is actually getting yourself in. So, he’s actually doing the hard bit. He’s getting to his thirties. He’s got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores. Thirties aren’t going to win you too many matches. ” It’s certainly not a technique error. It’s maybe some decisions where the game demands something a little bit different. We’ll work on that. He’s hitting the ball well.”
Marnus Labuschagne’s poor run continues
Labuschagne’s latest dismissal against South Africa was another disappointing moment as Australia could have drew the game if he managed to survive the Proteas attack. While facing Simon Harmer, he stepped down the pitch and attempted to hit the ball into the wind.
However, the ball went high into the air, and Marco Jansen took an excellent catch to send him back to the dressing room. He has now gone 14 Test innings without scoring a half-century and has recorded five scores between 31 and 39 in his last eight innings.
His last Test century came in July 2023, when he scored 111 against England at Old Trafford. Labuschagne had also been dropped in mid-2025 after the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa. He missed three Tests during Australia’s West Indies tour before returning for the Ashes against England.
Now, with his place again under scrutiny, the upcoming Cape Town Test could be crucial for his future in Australia’s Test team, as Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are likely to be available for the game.
