South African Matthew Breetzke’s kangaroo-style hop celebration after Marnus Labuschagne’s five-ball duck in the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, has gone viral on social media. On day two of the 3rd Test between, Labuschagne came in to bat under intense pressure.
He had not scored a Test century in 48 innings since the 2023 Ashes and was fighting for his place. Facing Simon Harmer, he lasted just five balls before edging a tentative push outside off to Aiden Markram at slip, departing for a duck.
As Labuschagne walked off, Breetzke launched into exaggerated celebration by hopping across the pitch, carefully avoiding the crease while staring directly at the departing Australian. The athletic, almost cartoonish celebration instantly went viral on social media. Commentators, fans and former players saw it as payback.
Simon Katich described it as a “return serve” after Labuschagne had celebrated enthusiastically at first slip when Cooper Connolly dismissed Breetzke earlier. David Warner suggested it was also a response to Labuschagne’s constant “chitter chatter” in the field the previous day. Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith noted the vocal edge from the Aussie side on day one.
South Africa fight back after Josh Inglis century gives Australia the edge
The third Test at Newlands has been a thriller with the match hanging in the balance. South Africa were sent in and raced to 158 without loss through Marques Ackerman (95) and Aiden Markram (78). Left arm-pacer Mitchell Starc ripped through the tail and finished with 6/72 as the hosts collapsed to 329. Travis Head and Matt Renshaw got starts, but Labuschagne departed for a golden duck.
Cameron Green made 65 and Josh Inglis smashed 102, with Alex Carey adding 80, as Australia posted 429 for a handy 100-run lead. South Africa’s second innings started poorly with early wickets, but Ackerman’s aggressive 62 and Temba Bavuma’s resistance took them to 140 for 4 by stumps on day three. They are leading by 40 with Breetzke still unbeaten on 19. The series is locked 1-1 heading into the final two days, and Newlands is set up for a classic finish.
