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Marnus Labuschagne Finds Form at Crucial Time Before Australia’s South Africa Test Series Marnus Labuschagne has delivered a timely reminder of his batting ability by hitting a rapid century just days before Australia begin their three-Test series against South Africa. The 32-year-old struck 111 from just 89 deliveries during Australia's warm-up match against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI in Potchefstroom. He reached his century from only 76 balls and finished his innings with 19 boundaries before retiring to give his teammates valuable time at the crease.  The innings could hardly have come at a better moment for Labuschagne. The Australia batter had gone 43 Test innings and more than three years without scoring a century in the format, while his place in the team had increasingly come under scrutiny. His recent struggles continued during Australia's Test series against Bangladesh, where he managed just 36 runs across three innings. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had subsequently questioned whether Labuschagne's position in the side remained sustainable.  Australia nevertheless kept faith with the South Africa-born batter when selecting their squad for the upcoming series. His latest performance now appears to have strengthened his chances of retaining the No. 3 position for the opening Test. The century came during Australia's only warm-up fixture before the Test series. The Australians finished on 368-6 after the Invitation XI had declared on 318-7, with Steve Smith also retiring after making 61 and Alex Carey continuing his strong recent form with 57.  Labuschagne's innings also carried a personal connection. The match was played at Senwes Park, less than 50 kilometres from Klerksdorp, where he was born. He had previously scored his first ODI century for Australia at the same venue in 2020.  Matthew Renshaw was among those impressed by Labuschagne's performance, highlighting the energy he showed at the crease and the movement of his feet. The innings will give Australia encouragement as they prepare for a demanding Test assignment against the reigning World Test Championship holders.  There are still selection questions surrounding Australia's batting order. Cameron Green is dealing with an abdominal strain, while Beau Webster strengthened his own case by scoring 42 during the warm-up. Labuschagne's return to form, however, makes his selection at No. 3 look increasingly likely.  The first Test will be played at Kingsmead in Durban from October 9, followed by the second Test in Gqeberha from October 18 and the third match in Cape Town from October 27. Australia currently lead the World Test Championship standings and will be looking to strengthen their position during the series.  For Labuschagne, the challenge now is to turn one impressive warm-up innings into sustained Test form. After months of questions over his place in Australia's batting line-up, a century immediately before the South Africa series has given him the perfect opportunity to answer his critics with the bat.