Ponting praises Kohli: Challenges Labuschagne to reignite his spark in BGT

Marnus Labuschagne, once a pillar of Australia’s Test batting line-up is now facing a troubling form of recession in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. His struggles were starkly evident in the IND vs AUS first Test in Perth, where the right-hander managed scores of just 2 and 3 in both innings as Australia succumbed to a crushing 295-run defeat.

Labuschagne’s WTC cycle performance

Labuschagne is the third-highest run-getter in the WTC 2021-23 cycle, has seen his performance declining since January this year. In13 Tests in the current cycle, he has scored a modest 658 runs at an average of 13.66. After two half-centuries against Pakistan in early 2024, the 29-year-old has struggled to rediscover his form.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting highlighted the issue, stressing the need for Marnus Labuschagne to break free from this rut. “I think I read somewhere the other day that Marnus is averaging 13 since January. He’s really got to find a way to turn it around,” Ponting said during the latest ICC Review.

Tentative approach in Perth criticised

Ponting also expressed concerns about Labuschagne’s approach during the Perth Test. “He was the one that looked most tentative out of all the batsmen,” Ponting remarked. “Yes, it was high-quality bowling, and the wicket was challenging, but you have to take more risks when facing the best bowlers.”

Ponting advised the Australian batters, including Labuschagne, to prioritise scoring runs over mere survival. “Think about scoring runs first and not about getting out. There’s only one way to change it, and that is to be positive and show great intent.”

Kohli’s knock: A lesson Labuschange should learn

Ponting drew a parallel with Virat Kohli’s recent century in Perth, which broke a prolonged drought. Kohli, who scored his first Test hundred since July 2023, showed a big difference in his approach between the two innings, something Ponting believes Labuschagne can learn from.

“In the first innings, Kohli got too worried about combating the opposition bowlers and strayed from his natural game. In the second, he found his rhythm and scored a brilliant hundred,” Ponting explained.

Looking ahead in Border Gavaskar Trophy

With four Tests remaining in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a potential spot in the WTC final on the line, Ponting’s message to Labuschagne and his teammates is clear: “Now it’s over to Marnus, Smith and co. to find their own way again and go about scoring some runs.”