Ricky Ponting has openly stated that Marnus Labuschagne's place in the Australian Test side has become virtually untenable, arguing that England possess the quality to "serve it up" to the Baggy Greens when the Ashes return next summer. The former captain, now an ambassador, investor and global advisor for the newly launched Century Cricket talent identification and coaching hub in Manhattan, New York, made his comments while discussing the upcoming three‑match series in South Africa, slated to begin on 9 October.
Labuschagne, who occupies the No 3 slot in the batting order, struggled in the recent home series against Bangladesh, recording scores of 1, 31 and 4 in a series that ended 1‑1. The 32‑year‑old has not managed a Test century in 43 innings, with his last hundred coming in the 2023 Ashes Test at Manchester.
With the South African tour looming, Ponting warned that the selectors will have to consider alternatives at the crucial third‑down position. Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 51‑year‑old former skipper reflected on Australia's dominance over the past decade, noting that the team has been "carrying a few guys" for several 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," he said.
Ponting added that the team may also shift Travis Head back to the No 5 slot rather than opening, potentially opening a door for a younger player to take on opening duties. He acknowledged the challenge posed by South Africa's potent bowling attack, but insisted that Australia cannot afford to remain static. "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," Ponting argued, suggesting that a bold move could unearth a future star. The commentary came against a backdrop of significant change in the English Test camp. Earlier this summer, captain Ben Stokes stepped away from international cricket, and head coach Brendon McCullum was dismissed after a disappointing run of seven losses in his final ten matches, which included a 4‑1 Ashes drubbing.
Joe Root has now taken over the captaincy, leading England to a series win over Pakistan, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been appointed as McCullum's successor, set to assume full control ahead of the winter tour of South Africa. Ponting, speaking before England clinched a victory over Pakistan at Lord's, remarked, "I wasn't surprised to see changes after The Ashes, although the way it came around was maybe a bit different than what I thought.
With Joe back as captain and a different personality altogether in Fleming, there is no doubt the talent is there to really serve it up to the Australians in the next Ashes." He highlighted England's four‑pronged seam attack—Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson—as a formidable threat, even if they have so far faced a relatively fragile Pakistani batting line‑up. The discussion also touched on former Australian batsman Mike Hussey, who has been linked with the England batting coach role after serving as a consultant for the Chennai Super Kings during Stephen Fleming's tenure as head coach. Ponting joked that he had warned Hussey, saying, "if you take that job I will never speak to you again!" He added that Hussey might be in line for a position with the Australian team or perhaps a head‑coach role with the Super Kings, noting that Hussey's extensive experience—79 Tests, 185 ODIs and 38 T20Is between 2005 and 2013—makes him a valuable asset wherever he goes.
Beyond the immediate selection debate, Ponting used the platform to promote Century Cricket, the high‑tech coaching and talent‑identification system he backs. As head coach of the IPL's Punjab Kings and the U.S.
franchise Washington Freedom, Ponting explained that the platform offers unprecedented tools for player development. "To be involved with a platform like this that I can use as a coaching and talent‑identification tool and to get down to growing the game in the US is the major reason I am involved," he said. He noted that cricket's growth in the United States has been slower than anticipated, but Century Cricket's technology—allowing players to train against simulated deliveries from bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah or Moeen Ali—could accelerate participation across all ages. Century Cricket's global CEO Chris Millard echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the platform's scalability.
"It really is a global platform that can change cricket for the better. People can face a Jasprit Bumrah or a Moeen Ali in whatever setting they want. We have the data to pull that off and if we are able to scale that globally we will be starting the future of cricket," Millard said.
In summary, Ponting's assessment suggests that Australia faces a pivotal moment ahead of the South African tour. With Labuschagne's form waning and the team seeking fresh impetus at No 3, selectors are likely to explore alternatives, perhaps promoting a younger talent or reshuffling the top order. Meanwhile, England's revamped leadership and potent pace attack signal a renewed challenge for the Baggy Greens. And beyond the on‑field battles, initiatives like Century Cricket aim to revolutionise how the sport is taught and discovered, potentially shaping the next generation of international stars.