Ricky Ponting has openly stated that Marnus Labuschagne's place in the Australian Test side has become practically untenable, arguing that England possess the depth of talent needed to "serve it up" to the Baggy Greens during the upcoming Ashes series next summer. Labuschagne, who occupies the No. 3 position, managed modest scores of 1, 31 and 4 in the recent home series against Bangladesh that ended in a 1‑1 draw, and he has yet to record a Test century in 43 innings. The 32‑year‑old batsman, who is hoping to make the squad for the three‑Test series in South Africa starting on October 9, last reached a hundred in the 2023 Ashes Test at Manchester.
Ponting, speaking to Sky Sports News in his capacity as ambassador, investor and global adviser for Century Cricket – a new coaching and talent‑identification hub launching in Manhattan – had already highlighted Labuschagne's difficulty in scoring when the team is on the back foot while reviewing the Bangladesh series for Channel 7. "Australia has been a dominant side for a long time, but we have been carrying a few players for too many years," the 51‑year‑old former captain said.
"It is inevitable that changes will be made ahead of the South Africa tour – Labuschagne's spot is almost untenable, so the selectors will have to consider alternatives at No 3." He added that the team may also look to move Travis Head back to the No 5 slot rather than keeping him as an opener, which could open a door for a younger player to take on opening duties. "It won't be easy against the South African attack, but we have reached a point where we need to try something new. We aren't going to get any worse by making a change, and we might even uncover a very promising talent," Ponting explained. England, meanwhile, have undergone their own shake‑up this summer.
Captain Ben Stokes retired from international cricket, and head coach Brendon McCullum was dismissed after a run of seven defeats in his final ten matches, including a heavy 4‑1 Ashes loss. Joe Root stepped in as the new Test captain, leading the side to a series win over Pakistan, while former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming has been appointed McCullum's successor and will take charge ahead of the winter tour of South Africa.
Speaking before England wrapped up their victory over Pakistan at Lord's, Ponting said, "I wasn't surprised to see changes after the Ashes, although the way they unfolded was a little different from what I expected. With Joe back as captain and Fleming bringing a completely different personality, there is no doubt the talent exists to give the Australians a real challenge in the next Ashes." England's four‑pronged seam attack – Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson – has impressed against Pakistan, albeit against a relatively fragile batting line‑up. Former Australian batsman Mike Hussey has been linked with the England batting coach role after serving as a consultant for the IPL side Chennai Super Kings while Fleming was head coach. Ponting hinted that other opportunities could soon arise for his former teammate.
Hussey, who played 79 Tests, 185 ODIs and 38 T20Is for Australia between 2005 and 2013, was England's batting consultant during their T20 World Cup triumph in Australia in 2022. Ponting recounted a recent conversation: "I saw Mike last week and told him, 'If you take that job I will never speak to you again!' I think I scared him off. I'm not sure what he'll do next.
There might be a role coming up with the Australian team, or perhaps he'll become the head coach of Chennai Super Kings, which would close the door on any England job." On his involvement with Century Cricket, Ponting – who also coaches the IPL franchise Punjab Kings and the U.S. Major League Cricket side Washington Freedom – said the platform offers a unique coaching and talent‑identification tool that can help grow the sport in the United States.
"Cricket hasn't expanded as quickly as I imagined in the U.S., but with what we've built, people of all ages can experience the skill set the game demands. It's a platform unlike any I've seen before – the technology is top‑notch and I can't wait to see it in action," he said. Century Cricket allows trainers to pre‑set specific deliveries, bowler types and match scenarios.
Global CEO Chris Millard added, "It truly is a worldwide platform that can transform cricket for the better. Players can face a virtual Jasprit Bumrah or a Moeen Ali in any setting they choose. We have the data to make that happen, and if we can scale it globally, we will be shaping the future of cricket." In summary, Ponting believes that Australia must confront the reality that Labuschagne's continued presence at No 3 is becoming increasingly difficult to justify. With South Africa looming and England revitalising their squad, the selectors are likely to explore fresh options, potentially reshaping the top order and giving a chance to emerging talent.
Meanwhile, the broader cricketing landscape is shifting, with coaching appointments, new technology platforms, and the growth of the game in non‑traditional markets all playing a part in the sport's evolving narrative.