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Marnus Labuschagne‘s difficult run in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa continued as he was dismissed for a low score yet again. After scoring just 1 off 6 balls in the first game in Cairns, the Australian middle-order batter’s lack of form persisted in the second ODI at Great Barrier Reef Arena. In just 5 deliveries, Labuschagne’s frustrating series continued as he departed cheaply for another solitary run. This dismissal was yet another setback in a series where the Australian top order has struggled to find consistency.
Marnus Labuschagne’s struggles continue in the ongoing ODI series
The dismissal came in the 3.3 over of the second ODI, with Lungi Ngidi providing the breakthrough for South Africa. Ngidi bowled a delivery slightly wider outside off, prompting Labuschagne to go for a drive. The ball nipped off the seam, and Labuschagne’s attempt to make contact only resulted in a regulation edge to the keeper, †Rickelton, who made no mistake in accepting the catch.
Labuschagne’s failure to get off the mark in the second match, after a disappointing first outing, only added to the pressure mounting on his shoulders. His wicket fell with Australia at 7/2, deepening their early struggles in the chase. The ball, pitched on a good length outside the off-stump, wasn’t a delivery that Labuschagne could have let go easily, but his decision to drive ended in an easy dismissal. Despite the pressure mounting in the middle order, Labuschagne’s continued inability to build partnerships has left the Australian side searching for stability in the top order.
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South Africa sets a strong total as Australia stumbles in reply in 2nd ODI
The second ODI between Australia and South Africa at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay has so far seen the visitors set a challenging target, and the hosts struggle in their chase. Winning the toss and opting to bat, South Africa’s innings was anchored by impressive half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs. Breetzke, in particular, was the star, scoring a brilliant 88, while Stubbs contributed a solid 74 to propel the team to a total of 277 all out.
Australia’s bowling attack was led by Adam Zampa, who took three wickets, with Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis chipping in with two each. In their chase, Australia has had a disastrous start, with their top order failing to fire. They were quickly reduced to 7/2, losing Travis Head and Labuschagne for low scores, putting immense pressure on the rest of the batting lineup. Their chase has been in turmoil, with the South African bowlers making regular breakthroughs, a worrying sign for the Australians who are already trailing 1-0 in the series.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Turtle Marnus Labuschagne with yet another failure.
The biggest false image of Australian cricket. He is just an ordinary batter without luck.
— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) August 22, 2025
Marnus Labuschagne gone for one in Mackay, fishing outside the off stump again. Second binary score this series. It's just not happening for him with the bat.https://t.co/lcuJYNf2Uv
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) August 22, 2025
Marnus Labuschagne, you fraud. 😭
— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) August 22, 2025
Ngidi could have back to back wickets of Labuschagne and Green in just two balls but Stubbs dropped the later !!!
— RCB Xtra (@Rcb_Xtra) August 22, 2025
Labuschagne scored 1 and 1 in two ODI's#AUSvSA
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) August 22, 2025
Marnus Labuschagne is no longer a thing. At this point, it's just cruel selecting him #AUSvSA
— Travel Scrabble Death (@ApeGotFire) August 22, 2025
SA on fire with the ball as Labuschagne's poor series continues!
7-2#AUSvSA
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) August 22, 2025
Marnus Labuschagne is washed. And i don't like that.
— pri. (@moxrhodes) August 22, 2025
Chance of being in Ashes squad for Labuschagne are negligible now.
Loose stroke today vs Pace, got out to spin in earlier game. His form has dipped so much, wanted him in Ashes but he doesn't deserves to be there.
Should focus on basics, and not throw the bat#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/Mt5cFxKAaP
— Clink (@clinkwrites) August 22, 2025
