Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy both call for Aussie cricket star with 44 average to be axed

Aussie cricket greats Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy have both called for Test selectors to bite the bullet and axe Marnus Labuschagne. The out-of-form Aussie batter made just 4 on Saturday in the second Test against Bangladesh as the hosts went to stumps at 8-165.

After bowling out the tourists for just 64, Australia had a golden chance to bat big and put the game out of reach. But the Aussie batters faltered once again, with Labuschagne being bowled around his legs after the ball ricocheted off his pads.

The 32-year-old has now gone 23 Tests and 43 innings without a century, averaging just 24.69 in that three-year period. Overall he still averages over 44 with 11 centuries in 64 career Tests.

But speaking in commentary for Channel 7, Aussie legend Ponting declared Labuschagne's time is up. Ponting said selectors can't afford to take him to South Africa for a three-Test series in October.

"I admire what they're trying to do with Marnus," Ponting said. "I admire that they tried to get him back to his best, but it's been way too long now.

"And I'm on record as saying I would have made that change at the start of this series because I think there was enough evidence for me to suggest that he was a long way from rediscovering his best. He'll look back at today, he was unlucky, there's no doubt about that. But that tends to happen to you as well when you're struggling and you're trying to find some form and some rhythm.

"I well and truly think it's time to have a look at somebody else. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one for making panic change just because we lost last week. It wasn't about that. I didn't want to make change (as a captain) but when something stretches out as long as it has now and it's well over two years since he's made a Test match hundred."

Ian Healy wants to see some new faces

Healy expressed the same sentiment on Fox Sports. "I think they are going to have to force some change into the South African series and bring some fresh blood in," he said.

"I mean, there is no reason why not anymore because we are failing as is. It feels sad to stand here and say that but it is time to have another look."

Pat Cummins and Steve Smith had both defended Labuschagne before the second Test, with Smith saying he looks good at the crease despite not scoring runs.

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