Australia were bowled out for just 47 in its previous Test at Newlands two and a half years ago by the same fast bowlers who sliced the team apart on Monday morning (EDT) as Australia lost 10-90 to be all out for 216. South Africa won by 231 to level the series at 1-1.
The conditions in Cape Town, where the third Test begins on Saturday, traditionally favour regular swing and seam. This is likely to be very different to the dry St Georges Park pitch that made the Australian attack look impotent and the South Africans unplayable.
Struggling captain Michael Clarke attempted to put a positive spin on Australia being able to lift itself for the series decider, pointing to the team’s thumping first Test win at Centurion Park just a week earlier.
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“It’s exciting,” Clarke said.
“I said last time we were here I wished there was a third Test match being 1-1, so now we’ve got that challenge.
“Cape Town is a magnificent place to play cricket. Generally when the sun’s out it’s a good wicket and when it’s overcast there’s a lot of hard work to be done for the batters.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for this Australian team to see where we sit at the moment again the number one team. It’s a great challenge and I can guarantee we’ll be up for it, that’s for sure.
“You should feel the disappointment any time you lose and the guys will be feeling that in the change rooms now.
“It was only seven days ago we were playing fantastic cricket so I’m not too concerned.”
There is likely to be at least one change with the Australian team. Clarke is desperate to have all-rounder Shane Watson back in the side after missing the first two Tests with a calf strain.
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“I’m not sure where Watto sits fitness wise at the moment, how many overs he can bowl?” Clarke said.
“If he’s fit and he’s healthy then that’s a real positive sign, his batting and bowling is important for the team.
“So I’m sure the selectors will assess that and if they bring Watto back in, I’m not sure who that will be for.”
Chris Rogers was Australia’s only shining light.
Chris Rogers was Australia’s only shining light.Source: AFP
There are any number of options the way Australia was undone by reverse swing. After a 126-run opening stand between Chris Rogers, who scored a defiant century, and David Warner (66), the next top score was just six.
With Alex Doolan making two single figures scores and Shaun Marsh completing a pair, giving him six ducks in his last 11 innings, they may be drawing straws to see who makes way for Watson.
“I think you have seen a class spell of reverse swing bowling today from all three of the South African bowlers, certainly Dale Steyn,” Clarke said.
“South Africa showed us how to get the ball reversing, we didn’t get one to reverse in both innings so we can learn from that and as I said you saw a class bowler bowl consistently at 140 to 145 ks and execute his skills as well as you will see in international cricket. Dale Steyn deserves a lot of credit.”
In a devastating spell Steyn had Clarke caught at first slip for one, trapped Steve Smith leg before wicket first ball and comprehensively bowled Brad Haddin for 1 to finish with 4-55.
Struggling captain Michael Clarke attempted to put a positive spin on Australia being able to lift itself for the series decider, pointing to the team’s thumping first Test win at Centurion Park just a week earlier.
Play
South Africa levels Test series after dominating Australia
Second TestYesterday 3:48
“It’s exciting,” Clarke said.
“I said last time we were here I wished there was a third Test match being 1-1, so now we’ve got that challenge.
“Cape Town is a magnificent place to play cricket. Generally when the sun’s out it’s a good wicket and when it’s overcast there’s a lot of hard work to be done for the batters.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for this Australian team to see where we sit at the moment again the number one team. It’s a great challenge and I can guarantee we’ll be up for it, that’s for sure.
“You should feel the disappointment any time you lose and the guys will be feeling that in the change rooms now.
“It was only seven days ago we were playing fantastic cricket so I’m not too concerned.”
There is likely to be at least one change with the Australian team. Clarke is desperate to have all-rounder Shane Watson back in the side after missing the first two Tests with a calf strain.
Play
Umpiring howler ends second Test prematurely
Second Test1 Hour Ago 0:50
“I’m not sure where Watto sits fitness wise at the moment, how many overs he can bowl?” Clarke said.
“If he’s fit and he’s healthy then that’s a real positive sign, his batting and bowling is important for the team.
“So I’m sure the selectors will assess that and if they bring Watto back in, I’m not sure who that will be for.”
Chris Rogers was Australia’s only shining light.
Chris Rogers was Australia’s only shining light.Source: AFP
There are any number of options the way Australia was undone by reverse swing. After a 126-run opening stand between Chris Rogers, who scored a defiant century, and David Warner (66), the next top score was just six.
With Alex Doolan making two single figures scores and Shaun Marsh completing a pair, giving him six ducks in his last 11 innings, they may be drawing straws to see who makes way for Watson.
“I think you have seen a class spell of reverse swing bowling today from all three of the South African bowlers, certainly Dale Steyn,” Clarke said.
“South Africa showed us how to get the ball reversing, we didn’t get one to reverse in both innings so we can learn from that and as I said you saw a class bowler bowl consistently at 140 to 145 ks and execute his skills as well as you will see in international cricket. Dale Steyn deserves a lot of credit.”
In a devastating spell Steyn had Clarke caught at first slip for one, trapped Steve Smith leg before wicket first ball and comprehensively bowled Brad Haddin for 1 to finish with 4-55.
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