‘Un-Australian’: Warner blasts Aussie batters in embarrassing series loss
Australia has been scolded by David Warner for an “un-Australian” batting display after Pat Cummins′ men were embarrassed on the final day of the third and final Test against South Africa.
Turning up to Newlands, Australia needed 288 to win the match and series but instead were bowled out for 111, losing by 176 runs.
Simon Harmer bowled South Africa to victory over Australia. AP Photo/Halden Krog
At lunch the visitors were 7-60 after a horror session that included lapses of judgement with the bat, a ridiculous runout and an lbw that could be Marnus Labuschagne’s last act in Test cricket.
At the innings break, Australia’s former opener David Warner didn’t hold back.
“I’m just upset, it’s terrible, it’s un-Australian, there’s no fight whatsoever, it’s disgraceful ... it’s on the line and this is the way they’re playing, it’s deplorable,” he said on Fox Cricket.
“The batters have let the bowlers down all series, yes Renshaw showed fight in the first Test but I think the batters have been disgraceful.
“I don’t know what headspace they’re in at the moment. Is there a wine tour this afternoon? I have no idea.”
Mark Waugh was equally disappointed with what he saw.
“You’ve just got to throw the ball down the other end at the moment. That was a terrible two hours of batting, that was immature,” he said.
Kerry O’Keeffe added the attitude in the morning suggested Australia’s day was never going to end well.
“It was mindless, the tactics, shot selection and turning down of singles,” he said.
“There was a sense of doom today ... the way they walked to the crease, everything was negative.”
After the break, Cameron Green and Pat Cummins attempted a fightback, blocking out several maidens and not taking runs when they were on offer.
However, 13 overs after lunch Green had a lapse in concentration and charged down the wicket to Harmer who bowled him through the gate with a beautiful off-spinner.
Simon Harmer bowled South Africa to victory over Australia. AP Photo/Halden Krog
The all-rounder walked off with 27 runs to his name off 110 balls as Australia’s hopes ended.
Cummins and Nathan Lyon showed fight, lasting more than 17 overs before the skipper was trapped lbw for 11 off 90 balls.
Harmer then finished off proceedings, bowling Josh Hazlewood (0) with Lyon stranded on 33 not out.
The South African off-spinner finished with career-best figures of 6-16 and took 10 for the match.
Australia’s loss means they drop to third on the World Test Championship rankings. New Zealand moved to first and South Africa is second.
In the ICC Test rankings, South Africa is now first with Australia second.
