Australia must convert starts into big scores for South Africa Test

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 23:49 · Archive

Australia face South Africa in a deciding Test on Tuesday with batsmen struggling to convert starts into substantial scores.

Australia must convert half-starts into substantial scores to win the deciding Test against South Africa on Tuesday. The tourists were bowled out for 99 last week in Gqeberha, losing by an innings and 31 runs, bringing their batting struggles into sharp focus.

Australia have been 4-95 or worse in 13 of their past 23 innings. In their past four Tests, batsmen have passed 50 just six times, compared to 22 scores between 20 and 49. Two players have scored centuries together only once since last June. Marnus Labuschagne has made six scores between 30 and 49 in his past nine innings, exemplifying the broader pattern.

Selectors are yet to confirm the team for Tuesday. Nic Maddinson is expected to be dropped with Cameron Green returning, while Labuschagne's spot remains under speculation. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey acknowledged the issue, saying: 'As a batting group, we've got to convert those starts into more runs and hopefully back up that one performance.'

How it is being reported

• Australia must go big as a pack to win in South AfricaAustralia's failure to turn starts into big scores is a point of concern ahead of the series decider against South Africa, and one batters know must be fixed.The West Australian · 25 Oct, 23:23
• Australia must go big as a pack to win in South AfricaAustralia's failure to turn starts into big scores is a point of concern ahead of the series decider against South Africa, and one batters know must be fixed.Perth Now · 25 Oct, 23:23

In this story: Australia · South Africa · Nic Maddinson · Cameron Green · Marnus Labuschagne · Alex Carey · Gqeberha

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