Marnus Labuschagne's axing from the international one-day squad appears to be the final warning shot to the embattled batsman to find form, or his Test future will follow a similar path.

The 32-year-old has been the centre of well-publicised criticism from former players and fans alike and he hasn't scored a Test century since July 2023.

After more dour performances against Bangladesh in the two Test series in Australia's north, the heat has been as hot as it has ever been for Labuschagne to lose his spot in the 11.

However, Code Sports has reported that Labuschagne will remain in the Test squad and likely in his first drop spot in the batting lineup for the upcoming series in South Africa.

The Australian selectors and coach Andrew McDonald may think that South Africa, Labuschagne's place of birth, could be the right environment for the former number one ranked Test batter to recapture some of his world class form.

The series, which begins on October 9, is the first between the two sides on South African soil since the infamous Sandpaper Gate saga that saw Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft suspended for ball tampering.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 24: Steven Smith (capt) of Australia during day 3 of the 3rd Sunfoil Test match between South Africa and Australia at PPC Newlands on March 24, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Labuschagne has now been left out of the one-day squad that will play back-to-back series in Zimbabwe and South Africa in the lead up to the Test matches.

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is expected to be out for the entire series after suffering a major hamstring injury.

Labuschagne is yet to play a Test in his native country of South Africa, but his one-day record in the country is strong. He averages 61.71 across eight matches with two centuries and one 50 to his name and a high score of 124.

Perhaps the Australian selectors are waiting to see if South Africa's conditions can be conducive to Labuschagne finding his form and playing a pivotal role for Australia.

However, if it is another in a long line of failures for Australia's quirky first drop, the three Test series that begins in Durbin and ends in Cape Town could see McDonald and captain Pat Cummins produce one final shot to put the lame batter down.