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Marnus Labuschagne has reached a certain point in his career from which it cannot continue as it could have if he could revive his form, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said about the Australia National Cricket Team batter ahead of their upcoming away series against South Africa.
Labuschagne, who is now 32, has probably hit the lowest point of his international career soon after the conclusion of the Bangladesh Test series. The Test match against Bangladesh in Darwin was an eye-opener for the Australian cricket team, where the former World Test Champions were defeated by 9 wickets. In the hour of need, Marnus Labuschagne scored only 1, 31, and 4 during the recently concluded Test series against the Bangla Tigers.
Ricky Ponting predicts the Test career of Marnus Labuschagne reaches to it's end
In a previous discussion with our Australian broadcaster Channel 7, Ricky Ponting explained why the batter had to struggle a lot in the recent past. The former skipper observed some issues when the batter went on his backfoot to play any shot.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Ponting, in his latest comments, predicted that Marnus Labuschagne's career can't be saved after his stints against Bangladesh at home.
Marnus Labuschagne's spot in the side is almost untenable: Ricky Ponting
In his explanation, the 51-year-old pointed out that for the last couple of years, it is almost the same group of players who have been playing for the national cricket team. So, the time may have arrived when the management needs to replace Marnus Labuschagne to create some room for emerging cricketers.
"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, so they have to look at someone at No 3," Ricky Ponting said.
Australia can pick an extra opener for the Test series against South Africa
The former captain further highlighted the fact that the Aussies may think of bringing back Travis Head at No.5 again to strengthen their middle-order against South Africa. Facing the pacers under the South African conditions will not be easy for the Baggie Greens.
To counter the Proteas, the away team will have to secure a well-rounded batting line-up. If the Aussie team management opts to bring Head into the middle-order, then they will have to select someone for the opening slot. Ricky Ponting suggested that Cricket Australia select some fresh talents, keeping an eye on the future.
"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," he added.
