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7h ago

Ponting Says Labuschagne's Test Spot Is 'Almost Untenable'

Selectors must weigh keeping an experienced No.3 against trialling new top‑order options as Australia finalise plans for a three‑Test tour of South Africa starting October 9.

Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from Australia ODI squad
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Australia’s out-of-form Marnus Labuschagne has been axed from their ODI side
Australia have named a new-look ODI squad for a tour of South Africa, dropping Marnus Labuschagne. (AP PHOTO)

Overview

  • Ricky Ponting told Sky Sports on Monday that Labuschagne's place in the Test side is "almost untenable" and cited technical problems, especially trouble scoring off the back foot against good seam bowling.
  • Labuschagne has gone 43 Test innings without a century and scored 1, 31 and 4 in Australia's recent 1‑1 home series with Bangladesh, a run that has intensified public scrutiny of his No.3 role.
  • Reporting is mixed on the Test call: one outlet said the selection panel led by George Bailey plans to keep Labuschagne at No.3, while an official squad announcement reported by PerthNow confirmed he was left out of the recent ODI squad.
  • Ponting recommended moving Travis Head back down the order to No.5 to free a top‑order spot for a younger opener, a tactical option selectors are weighing as they prepare for South Africa's pace attack.
  • The immediate outcome is unresolved: final Test picks have not been confirmed and selectors face a short deadline before the October 9 tour, with the decision likely to shape Australia's top order through the South Africa series and next summer's Ashes.