Ponting: Labuschagne's Australia Test place 'almost untenable'

Ricky Ponting expects batting changes when Australia tour South Africa - "I don't think we are going to get any worse or lose anything and may just unearth a really good talent"; Ponting also speaks on Mike Hussey being linked with England batting coach role and Century Cricket project

Ricky Ponting said Marnus Labuschagne's spot in the Australia Test team has become "untenable" as he insisted England have the talent to "serve it up" to the Baggy Greens during The Ashes next summer.

No 3 batter Labuschagne made scores of one, 31 and four during the recent 1-1 series draw at home to Bangladesh and has not registered a Test century in 43 innings.

The 32-year-old, hoping to be included in the squad for the three-Test series in South Africa from October 9, last hit a ton in the Manchester Ashes Test against England in 2023.

Ponting - speaking to Sky Sports News in his role as ambassador, investor and global advisor for Century Cricket, a coaching and talent ID centre launching in Manhattan, New York - had already noted Labuschagne's troubles scoring off the back foot while analysing the Bangladesh series for Australian broadcaster Channel 7 .

The 51-year-old said of Australia: "This has been a very dominant side for a long period of time but I think they have been carrying 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.

"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."

Captain Ben Stokes quit international cricket and Brendon McCullum was sacked as head coach after a run of seven defeats and just two wins in his final 10 matches in charge, including an error-strewn 4-1 Ashes drubbing over the winter.

Joe Root has replaced Stokes and began his second stint as skipper with a series win over Pakistan, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been named McCullum's replacement and will take over properly ahead of the winter tour of South Africa.

Ponting, speaking before England completed victory over Pakistan at Lord's , said: "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."

England's four-pronged seam attack of Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson have impressed against Pakistan in recent weeks, albeit against a fragile batting line-up.