Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has declared that Marnus Labuschagne's place in the Australian Test XI has become 'almost untenable', calling on selectors to make bold changes before the three-match Test series against South Africa beginning 9 October in Durban. Ponting made the remarks on Monday, following Australia's underwhelming 1-1 series draw with Bangladesh at home.

Labuschagne's Alarming Slump

Labuschagne, 32, contributed scores of just 1, 31, and 4 across the Bangladesh series, extending what has become one of the most scrutinised dry spells in recent Australian cricket. The number three batter has now gone 43 Test innings without a century — his last three-figure score coming against England in the Ashes at Manchester in July 2023.

'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,' Ponting said.

The Travis Head Question

Ponting also floated a structural reshuffle, suggesting that moving Travis Head back from the opening slot to his more natural No 5 position could create an opportunity for a younger batter to debut at the top of the order.

'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.

This comes amid broader questions about Australia's batting depth, with the South Africa pace attack widely regarded as one of the most demanding environments in world cricket — making the timing of any reshuffle particularly high-stakes.

Hussey, Fleming, and the England Coaching Saga

Ponting also weighed in on speculation linking his former teammate Mike Hussey to the role of England's Test batting coach under newly-appointed head coach Stephen Fleming. In characteristic fashion, Ponting revealed he had jokingly tried to dissuade Hussey from accepting the position.

'I saw Mike Hussey last week and said, "If you take that job, I will never speak to you again!" I think I have scared him off! I am not sure what he is going to do. I believe there might be a job in the pipeline for him around the Australian team, so I am not sure of his status,' Ponting said.

He also noted reports linking Hussey to the head coach role at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, adding that such an appointment could effectively take him out of contention for any international coaching post. Notably, Stephen Fleming himself is a long-serving former CSK head coach, giving the speculation an added layer of irony.

What Happens Next

Australian selectors are expected to announce their squad for the South Africa tour in the coming weeks, with the first Test scheduled for 9 October in Durban. Ponting's public remarks will likely intensify pressure on the selection panel to act decisively on the No 3 question — a position that has been central to Australia's batting dominance for much of the past decade.