Marnus Labuschagne's place in Australia's Test team has come under pressure after he was dismissed for a duck on the second day of the third and final Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Australia made a promising start, with Travis Head and Matt Renshaw adding 58 runs for the first wicket. However, South African spinner Simon Harmer dismissed Head for 41 before removing Labuschagne just five deliveries later. The Australian batter edged the ball to first slip without scoring, increasing questions about his place in the team after a prolonged run of poor form.
Harmer's quick strikes helped South Africa regain control after Australia's strong start. He took two wickets for just five runs in his first four overs. Meanwhile, Renshaw looked comfortable at the crease, and Cameron Green showed confidence on his return from an abdominal injury. Australia's batting order has also been affected by Steven Smith's absence due to a neck injury. South Africa's fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen struggled to make an impact with the new ball, but Harmer's spin proved effective.
Earlier, Mitchell Starc took six wickets to help bowl South Africa out for 329 in their first innings. Australia had hoped to build a strong reply, but Harmer's spell changed the momentum of the match. Labuschagne's latest failure has put his Test future under greater scrutiny, and he will need to improve his form to strengthen his position in the Australian team.