Ricky Ponting said Marnus Labuschagne’s spot in the Australia Test team has become “untenable” as he insisted England have the talent to “serve it up” to the Baggy Greens during The Ashes next summer.
No 3 batter Labuschagne made scores of one, 31 and four during the recent 1-1 series draw at home to Bangladesh and has not registered a Test century in 43 innings.
The 32-year-old, hoping to be included in the squad for the three-Test series in South Africa from October 9, last hit a ton in the Manchester Ashes Test against England in 2023.
Ponting – speaking to Sky Sports News in his role as ambassador, investor and global advisor for Century Cricket, a coaching and talent ID centre launching in Manhattan, New York – had already noted Labuschagne’s troubles scoring off the back foot while analysing the Bangladesh series for Australian broadcaster Channel 7.
The 51-year-old said of Australia: “This has been a very dominant side for a long period of time but I think they have been carrying few guys through the last couple of years.
“I think it is inevitable that change is made going to South Africa – Labuschagne’s spot in the side is almost untenable, so they have to look at someone at No 3.
“Eventually they will also want Travis Head back at No 5 rather than opening, so that could present a chance for a youngster to come in and open the batting.