Under-pressure Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne is set to be included in the playing XI for the third and final Test against South Africa in Cape Town after a long run of poor form in the longest format. The veteran batsman looks set to get another shot at turning his Test career around after Australia looks set to make several changes.

Despite going 47 innings without a century and averaging less than 28 since 2023, the 32-year-old looks set to be backed by Australia for one last game. However, fast bowler Scott Boland could be left out in a surprise move despite putting in a brilliant all-round display in the second Test.

Australia Predicted XI vs South Africa: Three Changes Expected

Boland took five wickets for 81 runs in the second Test but chipped in with a gritty 40 from 166 balls after Australia were made to follow on. However, he is now under threat of being dropped from the squad as Nathan Lyon is being considered to return to the squad.

Opening batsman Nic Maddinson and all-rounder Beau Webster will also be dropped. Matthew Renshaw looks likely to take Maddison's spot in the number one spot while Cameron Green could come into the middle order at number five.

Lyon will likely take over from Boland as Australia's spinner, while Cooper Connolly may step into Webster's shoes. This gives Australia more balance ahead of the decider against the Proteas.

Australia Predicted Playing XI for the 3rd Test

Players coming in: Nathan Lyon, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly

Players likely to miss out: Scott Boland, Nic Maddinson, Beau Webster

Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

The Australian selections will be under intense scrutiny. Whether they decide to persevere with Labuschagne despite his lengthy drought and leave Boland out despite his strong form last Test. The playing XI will tell us if Australia are going to go with a heavy spin option or continue to play their pace-based attack against South Africa.