• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Ponting Watson Ask Australia To Drop Sword Either On Labuschagne Or Stoinis

Ponting, Watson Ask Australia To Drop Sword Either On Labuschagne Or Stoinis

image-lov2e9p8Australia's Marnus Labuschagne has been a big contributing factor in their teams' successes (AP News)

Australian legends, Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson advocate for Glenn Maxwell's inclusion in Australia's semi-final against South Africa, proposing that Marcus Stoinis should make way. They argue that Marnus Labuschagne's Test match batting skills could be crucial in a knockout game. Maxwell, who rested in the final qualifying game against Bangladesh, is set to return, necessitating a player's exclusion for the Eden Gardens clash.

Ponting, the former Australian captain, revealed on commentary that Labuschagne was initially slated to be dropped if Steve Smith had been available for the Afghanistan match, which he missed due to vertigo. 

Labuschagne, despite not batting against Bangladesh, showcased his value by executing crucial runouts, contributing significantly to Australia's manageable target. Labuschagne's consistent batting performances and impactful contributions have solidified his place in the World Cup squad through nine challenging games.


Here's what Ricky Ponting said:

“If Steve Smith had passed his fitness test, which he didn’t, then Labuschagne was the one missing out and Stoinis was staying in the side. So I think at the moment Australia feel that is their strongest team, without Labuschagne in it. But if you actually look at the numbers through this series, he hasn’t done a bad job, second leading run scorer ... and I know the most important phase for Australia through this tournament they haven’t got right yet is their middle order batting. They haven’t got that right and they need to fix that quickly."

In a similar vein, former Australian all-rounder Watson contended that, should Australia have to bowl first against South Africa, Labuschagne's abilities against the moving ball would be crucial.

Before he was unfortunately run out, Labuschagne handled crucial situations against the Proteas, Sri Lanka, and even Afghanistan better than anyone else. The early overs under lights have always been the hardest for hitters in the competition. 

Shane Watson opined:

“He’s someone who has done a very good job for Australia throughout this World Cup, and as well Marcus Stoinis hasn’t set this World Cup alight yet. What we’ve seen in this World Cup, is if Australia end up batting second in a semi-final, that period with those two new balls swinging around, you do need your best technically equipped batters who can handle that moving ball. Marnus Labuschagne, with the Test skills, he’s got the ability to be able to handle a moving ball. There is a chance that Australia will have to bat second under lights, and he’s done a very good job of that throughout this tournament.”

Beginning with the opening ODI series in South Africa, Labuschagne has represented Australia in 18 straight games. He replaced Cameron Green due to a concussion and quickly won the match in a challenging chase.

Since then, he has kept his position despite injuries to Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Stoinis, Maxwell, and Smith of various kinds. With Labuschagne's elimination on the line, the selectors must now determine whether to pick him first.