Ponting calls for Labuschagne to be dropped from Test team

Australia's selectors face growing pressure to replace Marnus Labuschagne after the batsman's continued struggles were highlighted during the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay on August 22. Labuschagne was dismissed for just four runs, falling to a delivery from Shoriful Islam that brushed his thigh pads and hit the stumps. The dismissal extended a prolonged lean patch for the former world number one ranked Test batsman, who has not scored a Test century in over three years.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, speaking on commentary, stated that the time had come for a change. "I admire what they're trying to do with Marnus. I admire that they've tried to get him back to his best, but it's been way too long now," Ponting said. He indicated he would have made a selection change at the start of the current series, citing sufficient evidence of Labuschagne's decline. While acknowledging the Mackay dismissal was unlucky, Ponting argued it was symptomatic of a deeper issue.

Ponting identified a specific technical deficiency, pointing to Labuschagne's inability to score effectively off the back foot. He contrasted this with Labuschagne's peak form three or four years ago,...