Australia’s woeful run in international cricket continued as they were dismissed for a paltry 85 on the first day of the second Test against South Africa.
Steve Smith’s men have lost their previous four Tests and they did nothing to stop the rot at Hobart. After being asked to bat first by visiting skipper Faf du Plessis, the Aussies made a terrible start as they were reduced to 17 for 5 inside 13 overs. The hosts kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and were eventually dismissed for 85. This is their lowest total for a completed innings on home soil since they were dismissed for 76 by West Indies in 1984. Smith was the only player to provide some resistance with a knock of 48. Apart from him, debutant Joe Mennie (10) was the only other batsman to get to double digit mark. Vernon Philander was the wrecker-in-chief with five wickets for only 21 runs. He was ably supported by Kyle Abbott, who finished with three wickets.
As expected, the Twitterati trolled the team from Down Under for their dismal performance. Here are some of the reactions:
If you're new to cricket, 85 is a decent score. Not for an entire team of course but an individual. #AUSvSA
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) November 12, 2016
I'm announcing my candidacy for chairman of selectors. I know some great cricketers, terrific cricketers. The best cricketers. #AUSvSA
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) November 12, 2016
In other news, Australia bowled out for 85! Forget turning wickets, now the Aussies can't play on green wickets either! #AUSvSA
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 12, 2016
Morning. Yes, Australia all out for 85 on day 1 in Hobart. Great way to start a Saturday. They're having tea, I'll have a coffee #AusvSA
— Sias du Plessis (@siasduplessis) November 12, 2016
CrickAust returning to traditional values of grass roots cricket. Scheduling a Saturday-Sunday game. #ausvsa @BlundstoneArena
— John Harms (@ratherbeatlunch) November 12, 2016
Australia sub-90 Test innings:
1990-1999: 0
2000-2009: 0
2010-present: 4?#AUSvRSA #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/QoAzp01gnp
— bet365 AUS (@bet365_aus) November 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/Bilal_Hanware92/status/797284387452780544
4 for 8. Happy days if referring to the price of mangoes. #AUSvSA
— Dave Hughes (@DHughesy) November 12, 2016
Is this a ploy from Warner to get people to destroy their TV's and thus have to buy new Oled's? #AUSvSA
— Dave Hughes (@DHughesy) November 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/MitchellGlenn/status/797290968160440320
https://twitter.com/WasiyullahB/status/797304036437487616
Wake up to see that the Proteas are 50/3 & think "They going to have to graft." Then I see Aus have already batted ? Yes boys! #ausvsa
— Daniel Brits (@DanBrits87) November 12, 2016
Cricket is not meant for the faint hearted people, because one might wake up in ICU #AusvSA
— Mohato Lesutha (@Mohato_Lesutha) November 12, 2016
@virendersehwag please leave me alone! Stop asking what the score is in Hobart! pic.twitter.com/NZgdkuiiB6
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) November 12, 2016