Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has urged national selectors to consider dropping Marnus Labuschagne from the Test side ahead of the three‑match tour of South Africa, saying the senior batter’s position at No.3 is "almost untenable" after a prolonged dip in form.
Pressure on Labuschagne after poor scores
Ponting made the comments in an interview with Sky Sports News, as Australia prepare to face the Proteas in a series that begins on 9 October in Durban. The 32‑year‑old Labuschagne managed scores of 1, 31 and 4 in Australia’s recent home series against Bangladesh and has now gone 43 Test innings without a century, his last triple‑figure score coming in July 2023 during the Ashes at Manchester.
"This has been a very dominant side for a long period of time, but I think they have been carrying a 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," Ponting told Sky Sports News.
Ponting’s diagnosis is stark: with South Africa poised to unleash a pace attack that traditionally exploits extra‑pace and reverse swing, selectors must weigh form and adaptability when finalising the batting order.
Suggestions for reshaping the batting order
One of Ponting’s proposed solutions is a reshuffle that would return Travis Head to a middle‑order role at No.5, potentially opening the door for a new face at the top of the order. He argued that such a move could allow Australia to blood a younger opener without weakening the side overall.
- Labuschagne: 32 years old, 43 innings without a Test century.
- Recent scores: 1, 31, 4 in the home series vs Bangladesh.
- Series start: 9 October, Durban (three Tests).
Ponting said shifting Head off the opening berth might be necessary to refresh the batting, suggesting selectors should be willing to take a calculated risk rather than persist with a player out of form.
Coaching chatter and Mike Hussey
On a lighter note, Ponting also addressed speculation surrounding former Australia batter Mike Hussey and a possible coaching role with England. Ponting said he joked with Hussey about taking that job, and added that there may be opportunities for Hussey within Australian cricket.
"I saw Mike Hussey last week and said, 'If you take that job, I will never speak to you again!' I think I have scared him off!" Ponting said, while also noting reports that Hussey could have a role linked to the Australian side in future.
What this means for the Proteas
From a South African perspective, instability or changes in Australia’s top order could affect strategy. If selectors rework the visitors’ batting, the Proteas coaching staff will adjust plans for new or returning opponents at the crease. Conversely, retaining Labuschagne despite his slump would leave South Africa to plan against a batter who has been prolific in recent years but currently lacks big scores.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tour | Three Tests in South Africa |
| First Test | 9 October, Durban |
| Labuschagne | 32 years old; 43 Tests innings without a century |
Ponting’s comments underline the scrutiny already swirling around both teams in the lead‑up to a marquee southern hemisphere Test series. For South African supporters and coaches, the evolving make‑up of the Australian lineup will be monitored closely — whether those changes bring renewed threat or offer exploitable inexperience at the top of the order.
As selection decisions are finalised in the coming weeks, both camps will be balancing form, matchups and conditions ahead of a series that promises to test batters and bowlers in equal measure.
