Marnus Labuschagne has revived his standing in Australia’s Test cricket setup by scoring his first century in nearly a year during a warm-up match ahead of the impending Test series in South Africa. The 32-year-old batter delivered a commanding 111 runs off 89 balls against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI in Potchefstroom on Sunday, his first hundred in any format since a prolonged drought that had sparked debate over his place in the team.

Labuschagne’s innings came five days before Australia’s first Test in South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, which had cast a long shadow on relations between the two cricketing nations. Despite criticism from former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who called for Labuschagne’s removal after three years and 43 Tests without a century — including a disappointing recent series against Bangladesh — the South Africa-born batter looks poised to retain his position at No. 3 when the first Test begins in Durban on Friday.

Labuschagne’s century was composed off just 76 balls and included 19 fours. He retired after reaching 111 runs to allow his teammates additional batting practice during the drawn two-day game. Alongside him, Steve Smith contributed a well-made 61 before retiring, while keeper-batsman Alex Carey added a 57-run innings. Australia finished their innings at 6-368.

Smith, who missed a year of international cricket due to his role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, is part of a core group of experienced players returning to South Africa. This group includes captain Pat Cummins, fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and the specialist batsman Matt Renshaw. Renshaw, recovering from a right wrist knock sustained in the final ODI, scored 32 runs in the warm-up. Fellow opener Travis Head made 21 runs, and all-rounder Beau Webster contributed 42 before retiring.

Labuschagne received some local encouragement during his innings at Senwes Park, which is situated less than 50 kilometers from his birthplace, Klerksdorp. The venue also holds significance as the site of Labuschagne’s first ODI century for Australia in 2020. Renshaw praised Labuschagne’s confident display, highlighting his positive movement and decisive shots at the crease.

The outing proved valuable as Australia had previously rotated 11 bowlers when the Invitation XI declared at 318-7 on Saturday, with former South African captain Neil Brand scoring a century himself.

Meanwhile, South Africa may soon welcome back fast bowler Anrich Nortje to first-class cricket for the first time in over three years. Nortje’s return could bolster an injury-hit Proteas bowling attack, with concerns lingering over the fitness of key pacer Kagiso Rabada and several other frontline bowlers ahead of the series.