Once the envy of the world, where has Australia’s batting talent gone?

Tonight, the Australian men’s cricket team starts its three-match Test series against South Africa with serious question marks over most of its batting lineup.

Despite its number-one Test ranking , Australia’s batting was seriously exposed during an underwhelming drawn series at home against Bangladesh in August.

Many critics pushed for change in the batting lineup but others pointed out there was scarce talent dominating at lower levels.

This raised a startling but fair question: what has happened to Australia’s once enviable batting stocks? Those under the pump Only Cameron Green (61) and Steve Smith (52) averaged more than 30 against Bangladesh.

Despite these low numbers, selectors announced a very similar squad for the tour against second-ranked South Africa.

Young Western Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly was the only recognised batsman added to the squad that played against Bangladesh.

However, just before the series, Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper were added after injuries to Green and Josh Inglis.

Marnus Labuschagne will the player under the most pressure in South Africa.

He has not scored a Test century since July 2023 , and has averaged just 24.69 during this time.

Respected commentators such as Ricky Ponting called for him to be axed .

Labuschagne was considered lucky to not be dropped alongside Jake Weatherald during the Bangladesh series.

What has happened to Australia’s batting? Australia’s all-conquering Test teams of the 1990s and 2000s regularly had multiple players averaging more than 50 runs per innings.

An average above 50 is considered elite .

Steve Waugh (51.06), Ponting (51.85), Michael Hussey (51.52) and Matthew Hayden (50.73) are good examples.