Marnus Labuschagne Equaled Rare Test Cricket Record
The Australian batter matched a historic statistical anomaly in his recent performance against South Africa in Durban.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Tennis
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Marnus Labuschagne scored an identical 37 runs off 58 balls in both innings of the first Test match against South Africa at Kingsmead. This performance allowed him to join Syed Kirmani as the only players in Test history to record the exact same run and ball counts in both innings of a match.
Why it matters
The achievement highlights a rare statistical curiosity in international cricket while underscoring Labuschagne's ongoing struggle for a century. He has now gone 45 consecutive innings without reaching three figures, a drought extending back to July 2023.
Labuschagne scored 37 runs from 58 balls in each innings against South Africa, matching a unique statistical feat. Across his last 24 Test matches, he has recorded a total of 1,037 runs at an average of 25.29 and a strike rate of 48.
The players
Marnus Labuschagne
He is an Australian cricketer known for his consistent scoring in the middle order.
Syed Kirmani
He is a former Indian wicket-keeper-batter who held the previous record for identical innings figures.
Wiaan Mulder
He is a South African all-rounder who claimed Labuschagne's wicket in the first innings.
Keshav Maharaj
He is a South African spin bowler who dismissed Labuschagne in the second innings.
Temba Bavuma
He is the captain of the South African Test team who took the catch to dismiss Labuschagne.
The details
Labuschagne was dismissed leg-before-wicket by Wiaan Mulder in the first innings and caught by Temba Bavuma off the bowling of Keshav Maharaj in the second. Australia finished their first innings with 390 runs, while South Africa posted 284.
Timeline
1977-78: Syed Kirmani set the original record against Australia in Melbourne.
July 2023: Marnus Labuschagne recorded his most recent Test century.
October 2026: Labuschagne matched the historic record during the Test in Durban.
Season Trajectory
Labuschagne’s performance reflects his current form, marked by a struggle to convert starts into large scores during a challenging period for the Australian batting order. This milestone highlights the difficulty he faces in regaining the dominance he displayed prior to his 45-inning century drought.
Labuschagne’s failure to reach a century in 45 consecutive innings continues to impact his team's middle-order stability and overall run production. This reliance on lower scores rather than big innings forces Australia to depend more heavily on contributions from the tail-end and other batters.
The takeaway
While achieving a unique statistical record is a notable career footnote, it masks the ongoing challenge Labuschagne faces to find rhythm. Consistent performance requires building beyond short-term milestones to secure long-term success at the crease.
Further reading
For more background on international matches and player performance, visit the Tennis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewsX.
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