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Carey Urges Australia Batters To Convert Starts Into Big Scores Ahead Of Series Decider

New Delhi: Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey has called on the teams batters to turn promising starts into substantial contributions ahead of the third and deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town, with the tourists under pressure to respond after their collapse in Gqeberha. Australia were dismissed for 99 in the second Test, suffering an innings-and-31-run defeat that exposed their struggles to build partnerships and post competitive totals. With the series on the line, Carey believes the batting unit must find greater consistency rather than rely on isolated individual performances. I understand that point. Weve had some amazing individual performances over that time, which is great to see. But you do also understand if that doesnt happen, what does it look like? As a batting group, weve got to convert those starts into more runs and hopefully back up that one performance. It might not be hundreds for three batters, but if one can have a good day and two can really support him and you push that scoreboard up, thats what were after, Carey was quoted by cricket.com.au. The numbers underline Australias concerns heading into the decider. The visitors have been reduced to 4-95 or worse in 13 of their past 23 innings, while their last four Tests have produced six individual scores above 50 against 22 innings in which batters made between 20 and 49. Marnus Labuschagnes inability to build on starts has become a talking point, with six of his last nine scores falling between 30 and 49. His position in the side is under scrutiny following Australias heavy defeat, while Nic Maddinson is expected to make way for Cameron Green in the selection shake-up. The numbers underline Australias concerns heading into the decider. The visitors have been reduced to 4-95 or worse in 13 of their past 23 innings, while their last four Tests have produced six individual scores above 50 against 22 innings in which batters made between 20 and 49. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS