Marnus Labuschagne Faces Pressure Amid Declining Form

Marnus Labuschagne's numbers are looking bleak, and his head may be on the chopping block.

The Australian number three's future in the side has been a big talking point of the summer and the tour of Sri Lanka has only ramped up the scrutiny.

Labuschagne salvaged some personal pride from the series with an unbeaten 26 in Australia's small fourth innings run chase of 75 in the second Test, after falling for 4 and 20 in his previous two hits as his teammates filled their boots.

The success of reinvigorated senior pair Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja as well as wicketkeeper batter Alex Carey was not what piled the pressure onto Labuschagne however, that was reserved for the emergence of a new crop of batting talent.

Josh Inglis slotted into the middle order with a century on debut, while Beau Webster played valuable hands after his eye-catching debut at the SCG last month.

Watching from the sidelines was the boy wonder Sam Konstas as Cameron Green continued his rehabilitation from back surgery in Perth.

Throw in Travis Head as a certain starter for the World Test Championship final against South Africa starting June 11, and the selectors are presented with nine options for the top seven.

For the first time ever, it does look like Labuschagne's place could be under threat, cricket journalist Bharat Sundaresan said on SEN during the second Test in Galle.

When he got out yesterday, just the way he reviewed it and his body language as he looked up at the screen and the way he walked away, there was a sense of resignation as if to say 'what more can I do?'

Labuschagne's contributions during the Border-Gavaskar trophy were vital again, the two 70's in Melbourne and the 64 in Adelaide, but this decline in his average, which is in steep decline, coincides with many others vying for that spot, who are performing.

The squeeze is on, and Cameron Green is coming back.

The prodigious Green's looming return is perhaps most threatening to Labuschagne. It is no secret that Australia's selectors love the tall West Australian.

Smith's return to dominant ways this summer with four centuries in his last five Tests all coming from number four means the selectors have a decision to make regarding Labuschagne's position.

If George Bailey and his fellow selectors choose to go down that path, they would simply need to point to Labuschagne's numbers.

The Queensland captain has scored 935 runs at 28.33 in the current WTC cycle, with a sole century against England at Old Trafford in 2023.

Labuschagne's inability to convert starts in the past two years has contributed heavily to his struggles. He has also been outperformed by fellow number threes globally.

Perhaps Labuschagne's good fortune has caught up with him as no batter had been dropped by opposition fielders on more occasions than him since his Test debut.

Warner questioned Labuschagne's approach after his first innings of 64, highlighting a lack of awareness of his batting style.

Labuschagne has the support of his great mate Smith, who suggested that big scores were just around the corner for him, echoing a similar sentiment during his own struggles.

Australian great Adam Gilchrist believes a surprise new role may be best for Labuschagne to regain form, possibly posing the risk of sidelining Konstas.

Early in his career, Labuschagne's numbers were exceptional, with an average that peaked at 63.43. However, his average is now at 46.76, reflecting a significant decline in performance over time.

Dropping a 30-year-old meant to be in his prime during a transition period may not be what the selectors had hoped for, but the numbers are stark.

The continual decline hints that the selectors may opt for a change as history may repeat itself with Labuschagne facing the axe as the team seeks fresh talent and revitalised performance.