Ricky Ponting Calls for Change as Australia’s Patience With Labuschagne Runs Out

Ricky Ponting has urged Australia to move on from Marnus Labuschagne following the batter’s sustained poor record in the Test series against Bangladesh. Labuschagne was removed for four runs in the second Test in Mackay on August 22, adding to a dismal run that included scores of one and 31 in the first Test in Darwin.

Ponting, commenting after Day 1 of the second Test, voiced irritation with Labuschagne’s prolonged struggles and indicated that selectors should consider alternate possibilities. The former Australia captain recognised the selectors’ efforts to restore Labuschagne’s form, but believed the evidence was overwhelming.

Technical shortcoming and the backfoot issue

The former captain emphasised how the batter’s inability to hit off the back foot had become a crucial flaw that opposition bowlers were systematically exploiting.

Ponting emphasised that his plea for change was not a panic reaction to recent losses, but rather a result of long-term underperformance. He used his expertise as a player and captain to explain why he was asking for a selection change.

Ponting pinpointed a specific technical fault limiting Labuschagne’s ability to score runs.

Labuschagne’s form has decreased substantially in recent years. He hadn’t scored an international century in more in three years. Since the beginning of 2023, he has scored only 1,655 runs in 61 Test innings, at an average of 30.09.