Australia are under pressure in the second Test against South Africa, with former batter Simon Katich warning that several players could be fighting to save their places in the team. Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster have struggled in the match, leaving Australia with plenty to prove on the final day in Gqeberha.Australia were 156/4 at the end of Day 4 after being asked to follow on, still trailing South Africa by 170 runs. Labuschagne scored 39 before throwing away his wicket with an attacking shot against spinner Simon Harmer. Despite getting starts in recent matches, the batter has struggled to convert them into big scores.Katich questioned Labuschagne’s decision to play an aggressive shot when Australia were trying to save the match. “There are a number of players playing for their careers in this innings,” Katich said on SEN radio.He added, “Only he knows what was going through his mind when he tried to take Harmer down the ground, against the breeze, when Australia are trying to play for a draw.”Katich also questioned how selectors would view the dismissal, pointing out that Labuschagne had received several opportunities over the years.
Labuschagne under pressure as Australia fight back
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald was also disappointed with Labuschagne’s latest failure. The 32-year-old has not scored a Test century since July 2023 and continues to struggle to turn promising starts into substantial innings.“I feel like I am on repeat” McDonald said, reflecting on Labuschagne’s repeated scores in the 30s.He added that Australia had built a useful partnership and were beginning to recover before Labuschagne’s dismissal. “When you do that hard work, you’ve got to cash in, and unfortunately, that wasn’t to be the case for Marn. We were disappointed, and he will be too,” the coach said.
South Africa close in as pressure mounts
Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Kingsmead by 214 runs. However, South Africa have fought back strongly in Gqeberha, declaring at 425/9 before dismissing Australia for just 99 in their first innings.Rain limited play during the first two days, but South Africa have put themselves in a strong position to win the match. Travis Head, unbeaten on 87, and nightwatchman Scott Boland will resume Australia’s innings on the final day.Australia’s team management could face further scrutiny if the visitors lose, particularly after Nathan Lyon’s omission from the playing XI drew criticism.