Mitchell Johnson, former Australia's star pacer has suggested a bold move for the upcoming day-night Test against India in Adelaide. He believes that Marnus Labuschagne should be dropped from the playing XI, given his recent poor form.
Labuschagne's struggles in the Perth Test, where he scored just 2 and 3 runs in his two innings, have raised concerns about his current form. Johnson clearly said that dropping Labuschagne would be beneficial for the player, allowing him to regain confidence and form in domestic cricket, away from the intense pressure of international cricket.
The 30-year-old batting talent, who has a sold track record in Tests, has so far amassed 4119 runs at an average of 48 in 51 matches. But the recent dip in form has certainly took the spark away from his batting. In his last 10 innings, he has only managed to score double figures once, which shows his ongoing batting struggles.
"Marnus Labuschagne - after a lengthy poor run with the bat - should be replaced for the second Test in Adelaide. And that's not for the sake of having someone pay the price for the thrashing in Perth," Johnson wrote in his column for Nightly.
"It would give him a chance to play some Sheffield Shield and club cricket away from the pressure of playing for your country. I feel he would benefit from that more than going out there trying to survive against Jasprit Bumrah and co.," he further added
While advocating for Labuschagne's temporary exclusion, Johnson clarified that this should not be perceived as a permanent setback for the 30-year-old. He also said that Labuschagne remains a crucial component of Australia's long-term plans and that a short break from international cricket could rejuvenate his form.
"Dropping Labuschagne would not mean he doesn't still have a long future in the Test team or that he's the wrong player to bat at three. For the time being, in this form slump, we need him to be better - which means making big runs," Johnson's column further added.
Labuschagne wasn't the only batter who is going through a form slump, Steve Smith also had a rough outing in the series opener against India in Perth. Smith's first-ball duck and 17 runs, highlighted his struggle against the Indian bowling attack.
Meanwhile, former Australia captain Ponting has an advice for both Labuschagne and Smith to come out of lean patch. He wants the Australian batting duo to follow Virat Kohli's footsteps to regain form.
"Marnus looked the most tentative out of all the batters in Perth. Yes, it was high quality bowling on a difficult wicket, but he needs to find a way to turn it around. Virat went back to trusting his game and he looked like a different player in the second innings than he did in the first innings. He got away from trying to combat the opposition and focused on his strengths. That's what Marnus and Smith need to do - find their own way and show great intent," Ponting said during a conversation with ICC Review.