Marnus Labuschagne’s place in Australia’s Test team is under serious scrutiny after another disappointing batting performance against Bangladesh in the second Test at Mackay. The Australia No. 3 was dismissed for just four runs in the first innings, bowled by Shoriful Islam after the ball cannoned off his thigh pad and into leg stump. The dismissal followed scores of 1 and 31 in the opening Test, further extending a prolonged run of poor form. Labuschagne has now gone more than two years without a Test century. His last hundred came against England at Old Trafford in July 2023, and since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, he has averaged only 25.43 in Test cricket. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes the selectors may now need to make a change. “I admire what they [the selectors] are trying to do with Marnus,” Ponting said on Channel 7. “I admire that they tried to get him and get him back to his best, but it’s been way too long now.” Ponting acknowledged that Labuschagne was unlucky with his latest dismissal but argued that technical issues were contributing to his struggles. “The worry that I had with him, I think there’s some technical deficiency there but he’s making the margin for error for the bowlers too great,” Ponting said. “With the length, he can’t score off the back foot. If you can’t score off the back foot in Test cricket then batting becomes a hard game.” Ponting added that he believed it was time for Australia to consider another option in the batting order. Labuschagne had admitted before the second Test that his dismissal in the opening match was partly the result of trying to force the pace. He said he had wanted to put pressure on the bowler but acknowledged that he had played a shot he did not need to play at that stage. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald had also said before the match that Labuschagne “needs some big runs”, while captain Pat Cummins expressed confidence that the batter was close to rediscovering his best form after facing him in training. However, Labuschagne managed only one scoring shot in his latest innings before his dismissal. Former Australia batter Mark Waugh went even further, suggesting the Mackay Test could potentially be Labuschagne’s final appearance for Australia. “Marnus. How many more chances does he get?” Waugh said on Fox Cricket. “He might not get another bat in this game, so he will be hoping he does. He might have played his last game for Australia.” Waugh also called for Travis Head to return to the middle order, which would require Australia to find another opening partner. Former Australia captain Alyssa Healy similarly argued that the selectors should introduce fresh faces during the upcoming series against South Africa. “I think they are going to have to force some change into the South African series and bring some fresh blood in,” Healy said. “There is no reason why not anymore because we are failing as is.” Simon Katich also questioned Labuschagne’s approach at the crease, saying the batter appeared uncertain about whether to commit to the front or back foot. Labuschagne’s situation is particularly complicated by Australia’s recent selection decisions. The selectors dropped Jake Weatherald after only six Tests despite having initially been expected to give him both matches against Bangladesh. Matt Renshaw was recalled in his place and scored an uncertain eight in his first Test innings since 2023. Australia had previously dropped Labuschagne during last year’s West Indies series before recalling him for the Ashes after a strong run of domestic form. His continued struggles since then could make another immediate recall difficult if he is dropped again. Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming three-match series in South Africa is expected to be announced in early September. With Labuschagne’s form continuing to deteriorate, the selectors now face a major decision over whether to persist with one of the key batters of Australia’s recent Test era or finally make way for a new option at No. 3.

England fast bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue created an unusual piece of cricket memorabilia after both claimed five-wicket hauls in the first innings of the Leeds Test against Pakistan. After bowling Pakistan out for 171 on the opening day, the pair walked off the field holding the match ball together. Rather than arguing over who should keep it, they came up with a unique solution — having the ball cut cleanly in half so they could each take home a piece. England's management handed the ball to the Headingley groundstaff, who split it down the middle. “We were walking off and I was like, to Tonguey, I think we should split it,” Robinson said. “It's not very often two guys get five-for in the same innings, so a nice gesture and something to remember.” Tongue, speaking to BBC Test Match Special, confirmed that Robinson had suggested the idea. “Robbo said we can split the ball in half. The groundstaff have kindly done that. It's the first time I've seen that happen. I'm sure I'll be putting that up somewhere,” Tongue said. The achievement was significant for England. It was only the 16th time in men's Test cricket that two England bowlers had taken five wickets each in the same innings, and the first such occasion since 2006, when Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar achieved the feat against Pakistan at Old Trafford. Robinson made an immediate impact on his return to the England side, taking a wicket with the very first delivery of the Test. He became the first England bowler in almost 20 years to achieve the feat on home soil and went on to dismiss four of Pakistan's top five batsmen. Tongue then took over, running through Pakistan's lower order and helping England dismiss the visitors for just 171. The performance was particularly special for Robinson, who returned to the side after missing two Tests against New Zealand. The 32-year-old had also welcomed his second daughter, Eva, just days before the match. “Newborn arrived last Thursday at 2am, so I've been catching up on my sleep since I got to the hotel in Leeds,” Robinson said. “Really special week, having another baby, it almost makes today even sweeter.” Robinson has endured a difficult period with injuries and selection setbacks but said he has worked closely with England's medical team to improve his fitness and consistency. “It was frustrating not to be able to play at The Oval, just a freak training injury,” he said. “Then I was available at Trent Bridge but not selected and that's part of professional sport.” The fast bowler added that he had made significant progress with his fitness over the previous five to six weeks. “It's nice when it comes off like today. It's about being really consistent and really level, not having too many ups and downs,” he said. Robinson also admitted that he was still searching for his best rhythm after limited red-ball cricket, but insisted that staying fit and regularly playing would be key to maintaining his form. “For me, the more I play, the better I tend to get. As long as I can stay on the park and stay fit, hopefully I can get that rhythm and stay good,” he said. After his five-wicket haul helped put England firmly in control, Robinson made clear that his priority was to remain available for selection and contribute consistently to the team. “You never want to miss games, you always want to play for England, you always want to influence games and series,” he said. “I'm going to try and not let that happen again.” The historic shared match ball will now serve as a reminder of a memorable day for both bowlers — and one of the rare occasions in Test cricket when two teammates decided that the best way to share the spoils was quite literally to split them in two.

England captain Joe Root won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan at Headingley, with the hosts banking on an all-seam attack in slightly overcast conditions. Root said the overhead conditions and a hint of moisture on the pitch influenced his decision to put Pakistan in. England have selected four specialist fast bowlers for the Test, with Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue forming the pace attack. Root and Dan Lawrence will provide the team's part-time spin options. Pakistan will be led by stand-in captain Salman Agha after Babar Azam was ruled out with a finger injury. Babar suffered the injury in the Caribbean, before it was aggravated after he was struck by Manny Lumsden during Pakistan's preparations at Beckenham. Agha said Pakistan would have preferred to bat first, but his side will now look to negotiate England's pace attack and make the most of the opportunity to put runs on the board. Pakistan have also made several changes to their combination. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman has been included, while their fastest bowler, Ubaid Shah, misses out on the playing XI. Mohammad Abbas will lead the pace attack alongside Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad. Shan Masood returns to the top order after recovering from a hand injury, while Saud Shakeel is also back after overcoming recent fitness concerns. The match comes at a difficult time for both sides. Pakistan have not won a Test series in England since 1996 and have lost 13 of their last 18 Tests. England, meanwhile, have won only two of their last 10 Tests and will be looking to use home conditions to regain momentum. With cloud cover overhead and some moisture in the surface, England will hope their four-pronged pace attack can make early inroads into Pakistan's batting line-up. Pakistan, however, will be aiming to survive the opening spell and build a competitive first-innings total. Playing XIs England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (capt), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue. Pakistan: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha (capt), Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas.

Babar Azam's participation in Pakistan's opening Test against England remains uncertain as the team waits for medical clearance on his injured right hand. Babar suffered an impact injury to his finger while batting during Pakistan's second Test against the West Indies. The problem was aggravated during Pakistan's warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham, where he was struck on the hand again and retired hurt. The Pakistan Cricket Board described his decision to leave the warm-up as a precautionary measure. Babar did not return to the field for the remainder of the match. Pakistan arrived in Leeds on Sunday and held their first training session at Headingley on Monday, just two days before the start of the three-match Test series. Babar did take part in some batting practice in the nets, but his session was brief. Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas said the final decision on Babar's availability would be made after consultation with the medical panel and selection committee. "Whether he plays or not will be a decision taken on match day," Abbas said. "He did a few throwdowns and some batting practice today. But we'll have to follow medical advice for it." If Babar is ruled out, Saud Shakeel and Awais Zafar could both feature in Pakistan's middle order. Shakeel missed the recent West Indies series but strengthened his case with a century in the warm-up game, while Zafar made his Test debut in the second Test against the West Indies. Shan Masood Provides More Positive Update Pakistan have received a more encouraging update regarding Shan Masood. The Test captain suffered a fractured finger during the first Test against the West Indies and subsequently missed the second match. Masood was also absent from Pakistan's warm-up game in Beckenham, but he has since made progress in training. He spent a longer period batting in the nets during Monday's session and appeared comfortable. "With Shan, too, we're just going to rely on the medical advice," Abbas said. "Shan practiced for the whole session and looked very good." Leadership Question for Pakistan Babar's potential absence could also create a leadership dilemma for Pakistan. He took over as Test captain from Shan Masood at the beginning of the West Indies series. During Babar's absence in the Beckenham warm-up, Pakistan were led by T20I captain Salman Agha. However, Agha has yet to captain Pakistan in Test cricket. With the opening Test against England approaching, Pakistan are therefore facing two key fitness decisions, with Babar's finger injury likely to be the biggest selection concern. The final call on his availability is expected on match day after the medical team's assessment.

England Test captain Joe Root has abolished the team's midnight curfew ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan, saying players should be trusted to take responsibility for their own actions off the field. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Wednesday that the curfew has been scrapped and that the change will apply to England's white-ball teams as well. Root has returned to the Test captaincy following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket at the end of England's recent Test series against New Zealand. His appointment marks the beginning of a new era under head coach Stephen Fleming, who replaced Brendon McCullum. Speaking on the Sky Cricket Podcast, Root said he does not believe curfews are effective and stressed the importance of players behaving responsibly while representing England. "There's not going to be a curfew. And I don't think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest." Root added that players must be trusted to make mature decisions away from the cricket field. "My view on curfews is I don't think they work. And if you want guys to take responsibility on the field, they've got to feel like they can be grown adults and make good, strong decisions off it." The decision follows a controversial episode during England's Test series against New Zealand earlier this summer. After England's victory in the first Test at Lord's, Stokes and Gus Atkinson were out beyond midnight at a Chelsea nightclub. Atkinson was subsequently involved in an altercation with a Saracens Academy rugby player. Both players were left out of the second Test, although there was confusion over whether they had been aware that a curfew was in force. Atkinson told managing director Rob Key that he did not know the restriction applied, prompting the ECB to reinforce the policy. The curfew had originally been introduced following a difficult winter for England's players. Harry Brook, then the Test vice-captain and white-ball captain, was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, New Zealand, on the eve of the final match of a white-ball tour ahead of the Ashes. Root believes the team should instead develop a culture based on responsibility and mutual trust. "We should be known for how we play our cricket and what we do on the field," Root said. "As much as I've got to say on it, that's be adults, look after yourselves, look after each other." He also acknowledged that players need to understand when it is appropriate to celebrate and when they must prioritise preparation for cricket. The ECB said in its statement that the decision was part of the new leadership team's approach to establishing standards and culture. "We have a Test captain and coach, who are looking at how they set team standards and culture. As part of this, the curfew will no longer be in place. We will ensure all players have a clear understanding of expectations when they come together for the upcoming Test series." The decision is particularly notable because Root was England captain when an official curfew was first introduced by then managing director Andrew Strauss during the 2017-18 Ashes. That move followed controversy surrounding Jonny Bairstow after he was wrongly accused of headbutting Australia opener Cameron Bancroft in a Perth nightclub. The England camp was already under significant pressure at the time, with Ben Stokes absent from the Ashes tour following his involvement in a street fight in Bristol. Almost a decade later, Root has chosen a different approach, putting greater emphasis on player responsibility and team culture as England prepare for their next Test challenge against Pakistan.