Marnus Labuschagne has timed his return to form perfectly, smashing a rapid century in Australia’s only warm-up match before the three-Test series in South Africa. The 32-year-old struck 111 from 89 balls against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI in Potchefstroom.

Labuschagne reached his hundred from just 76 deliveries, hitting 19 fours before retiring out to give teammates batting time. The knock came less than 50 kilometres from his birthplace of Klerksdorp, where his family had hosted the touring party for a barbecue days earlier.

The innings could not have come at a better time. Labuschagne has gone 43 innings and more than three years without a Test hundred, averaging 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes. Former captain Ricky Ponting recently called his place in the side “untenable” after scores of one, 31, and four against Bangladesh.

Australia begin the first Test in Durban on October 9. With Cameron Green doubtful through injury, Labuschagne looks certain to keep his No. 3 spot.