Marcus Harris unhappy with Australian batsmen failing to convert starts

Australian batsmen constantly struggled to make a mark in the last 12 months and it proved to be one of the worst years in the history of their cricket. Apart from Usman Khawaja, no other batsman features among the top 10 Test run-getter in 2018 and the left-hander’s century in Dubai against Pakistan is the only hundred an Australian scored in the year. Opener Marcus Harris who is just settling into the role feels the batters need to take responsibility and convert the starts.

Harris scored 72 in the first innings at the SCG and looked really comfortable at the crease before playing one onto his stumps off Ravindra Jadeja. He scored the second half century of his Test career but it was another knock that ended in the 70s and Harris is disappointed for missing out on another century scoring opportunity. The Aussies were struggling at 236/6 at the end of the third day. However, the 26-year-old is confident that the lower order will make valuable contributions to the total.

Harris disappointed with failure to convert

The fragile looking Australian batting has failed to convert the starts they’ve got in the series so far. Travis Head crossed the 30-run mark thrice in the series but didn’t show enough application to capitalise. Harris is the highest run-getter for Aussies having scored 256 runs at an average of 36.57 with two 70 plus knocks but failed to get to his maiden Test ton.

Khawaja who is the most experienced batsman in the team has just managed 197 runs with the best of 72 and also failed to make a significant difference despite spending the time and getting in.

Among the seniors, Shaun Marsh also crossed 40-run mark thrice in the series but failed to convert it into a ton or a knock of substance thus reflects an ordinary average of 26.14. Australian captain Tim Paine has scored more than 35 runs thrice in the series but couldn’t get the tailenders to extend their stay in the middle.

On the other hand, Australian opener Aaron Finch had an unimpressive series and he failed to even get a start. He had a tough time facing the booming inswingers from Ishant Sharma and was even dropped from the side for the fourth Test. Another prominent batsman in that unit Peter Handscomb also failed to make a start throughout the series and that sums up the sorry story for the Baggy Greens.

They face an uphill task of outscoring India’s 622 in the first innings with three days to go in the Test and the threat of follow-on looming large on their heads.

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