Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Ponting Calls Labuschagne’s Australia Test Place Almost Untenable
Ricky Ponting thinks Australia may need to remove Marnus Labuschagne from its Test team.
Labuschagne has not scored a Test century in 43 innings.
He also had low scores in Australia’s recent series against Bangladesh.
Australia drew that two-match series 1-1 after losing the first Test and winning the second.
Ponting believes the selectors should make changes before the South Africa tour.
He said Travis Head might move back from opening to the middle order.
That could give a young player a chance to open.
Ponting also said the change could help Australia discover a talented new batter.
Ricky Ponting says Marnus Labuschagne’s place in Australia’s Test team is almost untenable after a prolonged slump.
Labuschagne scored 1, 31 and 4 in Australia’s 1-1 home series against Bangladesh.
The No. 3 batter has gone 43 Test innings without a century, with his last coming during the 2023 Ashes.
Ponting urged selectors to make changes before Australia’s three-Test tour of South Africa begins on October 9.
He suggested Travis Head could return to No. 5, creating an opening for a younger batter.
- Who
- Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is calling for selectors to reconsider Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the Test side.
- What
- Ponting said Labuschagne’s position is almost untenable and suggested changes to Australia’s batting lineup.
- When
- The comments followed Australia’s 1-1 home series against Bangladesh, with the South Africa Test tour starting October 9.
- Where
- Australia’s next three-Test series will be played in South Africa, beginning in Durban.
- Why
- Labuschagne has endured a prolonged run of poor form, including 43 Test innings without a century.
- Recent series
- Australia drew its two-match home Test series against Bangladesh 1-1.
- Labuschagne’s scores
- He scored 1, 31 and 4 in the Bangladesh series.
- Century drought
- Labuschagne has gone 43 Test innings without a century.
- Last Test century
- His most recent triple-figure score came against England at Manchester in July 2023.
- Next assignment
- Australia will play a three-Test series against South Africa.
- Series start
- The South Africa tour begins October 9, with the first Test in Durban.
- Suggested batting change
- Ponting proposed returning Travis Head to No. 5 and giving a youngster an opportunity to open.
