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KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Ricky Ponting believes Marnus Labuschagne's place in the Australia Test team is almost over. - Labuschagne has gone 43 Test innings without a century. - Ponting urged selectors to move Travis Head back to No. 5 and find a new top-order batter before the South Africa series and the Ashes. Marnus Labuschagne's position in the Test team might be in danger There used to be a time when Marnus Labuschagne was hailed as the next great Australian Test batter. Between 2019 and 2022, he maintained annual averages well over 60. It was also during this period that he became the number-one-ranked Test batter, boasting an average near 50. But since 2023, he has failed to pull his weight entirely. He managed scores of just 1, 31, and 4 during Australia’s 1-1 series draw against Bangladesh. With this, the 32-year-old has now gone 43 Test innings without reaching three figures, with his last century coming against England at Manchester in July 2023. Former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting thinks Labuschagne's time to prove himself is over. He warned that his position in Australia’s Test side has become "almost untenable" following this. He even urged the selectors to make decisive batting changes for October's tour of South Africa. MORE: Why Australia should drop Marnus Labuschagne from Tests Ponting’s call for a top-order reshuffle before South Africa Speaking to Sky Sports, Ponting highlighted Labuschagne's technical struggles off the back foot and argued that Australia’s top order has been carrying underperforming players for too long. He insisted that introducing fresh talent against South Africa's pace attack carries minimal downside given the current output at No. 3. Ponting also advocated moving Travis Head back to his primary middle-order role at No. 5, creating space for a specialist opener while Australia begin rebuilding their lineup ahead of the South Africa series and next summer's Ashes defence. For Ponting, the reliance on past reputations has reached its limit ahead of a demanding three-Test tour of South Africa starting October 9. "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," Ponting said. "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." Part of that structural fix involves shifting Head back down the order to solidify the middle overs. "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," Ponting added. "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." Labuschagne’s technical decline and 43-innings drought The numbers behind Labuschagne's decline present a stark case for the selectors. Once the top-ranked Test batter in the world, his average has slipped steadily across a two-year period during which he has struggled to construct substantial innings. Analysing his output for Channel 7 during the Bangladesh series, Ponting noted specific technical flaws, particularly Labuschagne's inability to score comfortably off the back foot against quality seam bowling. Opposing attacks have routinely restricted his scoring options early, forcing errors as pressure builds. Going 43 innings without a century is a lengthy grace period for an Australian No. 3, particularly with a major away series in South Africa followed by an Ashes summer. With the current top order failing to set platforms consistently, Labuschagne's lack of conversion has left the middle order exposed far earlier than usual. Making the hard decision at No. 3 now gives the top order time to settle long before England arrive next summer. For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages