Australia's series-deciding Test in South Africa was marked by contrasting fortunes as Marnus Labuschagne's ongoing loss of form reached what has been described as a record low, while a cohort of less established Australian players rose to the occasion to put the tourists in a strong position.
Labuschagne, who has been a mainstay of Australia's batting line-up in recent seasons, was unable to find form in the crucial match. His struggles with the bat were notable in the context of the contest and represented a significant downturn for one of the team's leading figures.
New faces and younger members of the squad, meanwhile, produced composed and influential contributions under pressure. Those performances provided Australia with momentum and helped offset the absence of runs from an established star, demonstrating depth in the touring side's batting and bowling resources.
With the match serving as the decider in the series, the visitors' collective showing from their emerging players leaves them well placed as the game heads into its final stages. The contest now turns on whether Australia's new guard can sustain that form and whether Labuschagne can arrest his slump before it has a longer-term effect on the side's fortunes.