Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Labuschagne Defends Australia No. 3 Test Position Amid Scrutiny
Marnus Labuschagne thinks he should keep batting at No.
3 for Australia.
Some of his recent scores have been low, and he has not made a century in 43 innings.
He says the criticism is about his cricket performances, not his personality.
Labuschagne says he is working hard to return to his best form.
Australia included him in the squad for the South Africa tour.
However, selectors have not confirmed that he will play in the first Test.
Steven Smith and Cooper Connolly are possible alternatives.
Before joining Australia, Labuschagne will captain Queensland in a one-day competition.
He scored four centuries in that competition last season.
Marnus Labuschagne says he remains Australia’s best option at No. 3 despite poor recent form.
He has gone 43 innings without a century and averages 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes.
Labuschagne was selected for Australia’s South Africa tour, but his place in the Durban Test XI is uncertain.
Ricky Ponting has called for Labuschagne to be dropped, while Steven Smith’s return to No. 3 is under discussion.
Labuschagne will captain Queensland in the One-Day Cup before joining Australia’s Test squad.
- Who
- Marnus Labuschagne, Australia’s selectors and former captain Ricky Ponting are central to the selection debate.
- What
- Labuschagne is defending his claim to Australia’s No. 3 Test batting position despite poor recent form.
- When
- The issue arises ahead of Australia’s upcoming South Africa Test tour; Labuschagne will first play in the One-Day Cup.
- Where
- The first Test is scheduled for Durban, South Africa, with a warm-up match in Potchefstroom.
- Why
- His place is under scrutiny because he has gone 43 innings without a century and has averaged 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes.
Keep Labuschagne at No. 3
Change Australia’s No. 3
Selection choice
Keep Labuschagne at No. 3
Labuschagne says he remains Australia’s best person for the No. 3 role and is working to regain his best form.
Change Australia’s No. 3
Ricky Ponting believes Labuschagne should have been dropped, while Steven Smith’s return to No. 3 and Cooper Connolly’s selection have been discussed.
Recent performance
Keep Labuschagne at No. 3
Labuschagne’s previous One-Day Cup campaign was prolific, producing 468 runs and four centuries in six innings.
Change Australia’s No. 3
His recent Test returns include 1, 31 and 4 against Bangladesh, and he has not scored a century in 43 innings.
- Player
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Test squad status
- Included in Australia’s squad for the South Africa tour
- Recent scores
- 1, 31 and 4 against Bangladesh
- Century drought
- 43 innings without a century
- Average since 2023 Ashes
- 25.43
- Possible alternatives
- Steven Smith and Cooper Connolly
- One-Day Cup record
- 468 runs in six innings, including four centuries, last season