Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting believes Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the Test team is ‘almost untenable’ after a poor run of form. Labuschagne returned with scores of 1 and 31 in the opening Test match of the series against Bangladesh.

The right-hander was looking good in the second innings but could not convert his start into a big score. Labuschagne hasn’t been able to come up with consistent performances in the recent past and the pressure is certainly rising on him.

Labuschagne’s last Test century came back in July 2023 against England, which was 43 innings ago. Since then, he has averaged 25.32 with nine fifties.

Furthermore, the right-hander was dismissed after managing only four runs in the first innings of the second Test match against Bangladesh.

Moreover, Labuschagne has been dropped from the Australian ODI side for the upcoming twin tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa as he is struggling with his form across formats.

Ricky Ponting said on Sky Sports News, “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.

“It won’t be easy against that South Africa attack but we have got to the point where we have to try something. I don’t think we are going to get any worse or lose anything and may just unearth a really good talent as well.”

Australia will play a three-match Test series against South Africa in October.