Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Ponting Urges Australia to Move Past Struggling Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne is an Australian cricket batter who has been struggling to score runs.
He made only four runs in the second Test against Bangladesh.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting thinks Australia should consider choosing another batter.
Ponting said Labuschagne has a technical problem that makes back-foot shots difficult.
He also said bowlers know how to exploit this weakness.
Labuschagne used to score well from both the front foot and back foot.
Ponting said the selectors have supported him for a long time, but more than two years without a Test century is a concern.
Labuschagne had scored 1 and 31 in the first Test of the series.
Marnus Labuschagne scored four runs in Australia’s second Test against Bangladesh.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said Australia should consider replacing Labuschagne.
Ponting cited a technical deficiency that limits Labuschagne’s ability to score off the back foot.
Labuschagne has gone more than two years without scoring a Test century, according to Ponting.
Labuschagne scored 1 and 31 in the first Test of the Bangladesh series.
- Who
- Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting called for Australia to consider replacing batter Marnus Labuschagne.
- What
- Ponting criticized Labuschagne’s prolonged loss of form and identified a technical issue affecting his batting.
- When
- The comments came after Labuschagne scored four runs in the second Test on Saturday; the article is dated August 22, 2026.
- Where
- During Australia’s Test series against Bangladesh; Ponting’s comments were made on 7Cricket.
- Why
- Ponting said Labuschagne has struggled for more than two years without a Test century and cannot score effectively off the back foot.
Consider a Change
Continue Backing Labuschagne
Selection decision
Consider a Change
Ricky Ponting believes it is time for Australia to consider another batter after Labuschagne’s prolonged lack of form.
Continue Backing Labuschagne
Australia’s selectors have continued trying to help Labuschagne return to his best, a selection approach Ponting said he admired.
Interpretation of recent dismissal
Consider a Change
Ponting said the latest low score reflected wider concerns about Labuschagne’s technique and extended poor run.
Continue Backing Labuschagne
Ponting acknowledged that Labuschagne was unlucky to be dismissed for four, although he said such misfortune can occur when a player is struggling.
- Player
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Latest score
- Four runs in the second Test against Bangladesh
- First Test scores
- 1 and 31
- Former captain’s view
- Ricky Ponting said Australia should look at another batter
- Technical concern
- Ponting said Labuschagne struggles to score off the back foot
- Century drought
- More than two years without a Test-match hundred, according to Ponting
- Commentary platform
- 7Cricket