'Pick a No. 3 who can bat': Fans demand Marnus Labuschagne's axing after latest Test failure against Bangladesh originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:- Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for just 4 off nine balls against Bangladesh in the second Test at Mackay.
- Shoriful Islam bowled Labuschagne after the Australian batter shuffled across his stumps and missed a leg-side delivery.
- Fans are calling for Labuschagne to be dropped as his shocking decline in 22 Tests since Ashes 2023 continues.
- His repeated failures have increased the pressure on his place ahead of Australia's upcoming tour of South Africa.
Marnus Labuschagne's latest failure in the Test format has got many questioning whether the batter should retain his place at No. 3 in the Australian cricket team.
He was dismissed for just four off nine balls by Shoriful Islam after shuffling across his stumps and failing to connect with a leg-side delivery.
One fan called for Australia to make a change, writing: "Last test surely. Let’s pick a number 3 who can actually bat."
Last test surely. Let’s pick a number 3 who can actually bat
— GreatestSportingMoments (@SportMoments0) August 22, 2026Another supporter was direct in their phrasing, posting: "Drop Marnus. This is getting ridiculous."
Drop Marnus. This is getting ridiculous #AUSvBAN
— Eleanor 🖤🖤 (@Eleanor1998_) August 22, 2026The manner of Labuschagne's dismissal and his supposed imitation of Steve Smith also drew criticism, with one fan questioning his decision to bat so far outside his crease and urging the Aussie batter to stick to the basics.
"There's absolutely zero benefit in Marnus Labuschagne batting half a metre outside his crease. Just stick to the basics," the fan said. "Stop impersonating Steve Smith with the leaves and mannerisms. Leave the good ones, play within the arc and punish the shit!"
The inconsistency of Marnus Labuschagne needs to be studied because this is a far cry from how he started his test career and the superstar spotlight he was being put in. Something is amiss. https://t.co/pUDwsHbzYT
— Paul Muad'Dib Atreides 🇵🇸 (@F1_Tonio) August 22, 2026Another fan couldn't believe Labuschagne's decline, looking back on how the batter burst onto the Test scene during the 2019 Ashes as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith, then established himself as a key figure in Australia's red-ball setup.
"The inconsistency of Marnus Labuschagne needs to be studied because this is a far cry from how he started his test career and the superstar spotlight he was being put in. Something is amiss," they pointed out.
Labuschagne's Test numbers have fallen dramatically since Ashes 2023Labuschagne's failures aren't limited to 2026 or the series against Bangladesh. His numbers in Test cricket have been on a free fall since the Ashes 2023.
Before the end of the 2023 Ashes, Labuschagne had played 43 Tests, scoring 3,789 runs at an impressive average of 53.36, including 11 centuries.
Since the 2023 Ashes, however, Labuschagne has scored just 937 runs in 22 Tests at an average of 26.02, without registering a century.
PeriodTestsRunsAverage100sThrough 2023 Ashes433,78953.3611After 2023 Ashes2293726.020Labuschagne was once regarded as one of the most dependable members of Australia's Test batting order, but his recent form has been significantly below the standards he established during the earlier part of his career.
MORE:Lowest score in Test cricket history: Full list of lowest team totals
The Cricket News Opinion: Australia need to take a big call on Labuschagne for South Africa Test seriesThis still does not mean Australia will discard a batter who has already demonstrated that he can perform at the highest level.
However, with the crucial South Africa series coming up in October, the 2023 WTC Champions cannot afford such performances from a player occupying an important position in the XI.
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