Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has delivered a stark assessment of the national team's batting woes, pinpointing the form of Western Australian all-rounder Cameron Green as the most pressing concern.
Green's Struggles Under the Microscope
Speaking on SEN radio, the Channel Seven commentator and former captain expressed significant unease about Green's performances during The Ashes series against England. The 26-year-old's place in the side is under increasing scrutiny after a series of underwhelming contributions with the bat.
His difficulties were highlighted during England's historic fourth Test victory in Melbourne, which broke a 15-year drought for the tourists on Australian soil. Green was run out for 17 in the first innings. In the second, he was dismissed for 19 after walking at England captain Ben Stokes and edging to the slips – a shot former Test batter Simon Katich labelled "premeditated rubbish".
A Crucial Figure in Transition Under Pressure
Ponting emphasised that Green is seen as a key figure for Australia's future, especially as an ageing team enters a period of transition. However, his output has not matched his immense potential.
Through 36 Tests, Green has scored two centuries and averages 32.25. That figure drops to a more modest 27.80 in 19 Tests on home soil, where he is yet to register a hundred. Ponting noted the challenge of Green's imposing 198cm frame, citing that only three batters over six feet tall – Joe Root, Greg Chappell, and Matthew Hayden – have averaged 50 in Test history.
"He's a very nervous starter, he's very stiff and very rigid, and being a big, tall man like he is, it probably doesn't make it any easier," Ponting said. "There's some challenges there for him. He's got to work it out pretty quickly, I think."
Labuschagne's Slump Adds to Batting Concerns
While Green's form is the primary worry, Ponting also raised serious questions about No. 3 batter Marnus Labuschagne, who has managed just 49 runs in his last five innings. Ponting pointed to technical flaws and noted Labuschagne's last Test century was in July 2023.
"When Marnus is at his best, he makes batting look relatively easy, but when he's at his worst, he makes batting look really, really difficult," Ponting observed. "The last few weeks, he's made batting look difficult."
Ponting concluded that while tough batting pitches in Australia have been a factor, the inability of key batters like Green and Labuschagne to consistently perform is a major hurdle for the team's fortunes moving forward.
