Marnus Labuschagne set to retain No. 3 spot in SA Tests after warm-up ton

Marnus Labuschagne has reinforced his claim to the No. 3 spot for Australia's Test series against South Africa after scoring a rapid century in a tour match against the CSA Invitation XI. Labuschagne struck 111 runs off 89 balls, including 19 fours, reaching his century in just 76 balls before retiring. The warm-up fixture ended in a draw after Australia posted 368 for 6, answering recent scrutiny over Labuschagne's position.

Australia's other contributors included Steven Smith with 61 and Alex Carey with 57, while the CSA Invitation XI had previously posted 318 for 7 behind Neil Brand's 152. Australia now heads to Durban for the first Test, though concerns remain over Cameron Green's fitness following an unusual abdominal injury suffered during a recent ODI.