Labuschagne's form hits record low but Australia hint at future

But if his pained stare down the pitch signalled the end of something, what followed hinted at their future.

With Travis Head already out and Labuschagne following, the score 58-2 in reply to the Proteas' 329, there was no Smith to steer Australia out of this tricky spot.

Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, three of the junior members of this side, instead made fifties and put their side in the ascendancy.

Renshaw is one of those who has been kept out by the selectors in the hope Labuschagne could rediscover his best form.

Had he been picked to open in the World Test Championship final against South Africa in 2025, rather than Australia's decision to try Labuschagne as opener, he may have spent the following 17 months ending…