Share

5 infamous Australia batting collapses

Hobart - Five infamous batting collapses by Australia, who lost the second Test against South Africa by an innings and 80 runs on Tuesday.

1. Cape Town, November 2011

Australia crash to their worst total in more than a century as they collapse to 47 all out in the second innings against South Africa in Cape Town. Bowlers Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon are the only players to reach double figures as Australia lose the first Test by eight wickets.

It clocks in as Australia's fourth lowest total, the other three coming against England in a 14-year span from 1888 to 1902.

"Yes, it's Australia and not Austria," jokes former Australia leg-spinner Bryce McGain.

2. Trent Bridge, August 2015

Australia made just 60 in 18.3 overs, the shortest completed first innings in history, to lose the fourth Test against England and surrender the coveted Ashes trophy. Only two players - captain Michael Clarke, and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson - reached double figures, and Australia's highest single scorer results in 14 extras.

Social media makes hay as Australia's entire innings, ball-by-ball, can be repeated in a single, 140-character tweet, with room to spare.

For England, fast bowler Stuart Broad takes an astonishing eight wickets for just 15 runs. It isn't Australia's first collapse in the series, after they lost 5-25 and 6-50 in the first Test, and 5-60 and 4-30 in the third.

Clarke announces his retirement after the 'Terror at Trent Bridge', handing the baton to Steve Smith.

3. Galle, August 2016

Australia lose nine wickets for 52 runs in the first innings before slumping to a 229-run defeat in the second Test against Sri Lanka. The visitors are on 54/1 before Usman Khawaja is bowled by Dilruwan Perera, precipitating their rapid demise to 106 all out.

The eventual defeat hands Sri Lanka an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, and the hosts later win the third Test to complete a 3-0 sweep.

4. Perth, November 2016

Australia reach 158 without loss, well placed to overhaul South Africa's first innings 242 when David Warner is dismissed for 97, the first of 10 wickets to fall for 86 as they finish just two runs ahead on 244, despite strike bowler Dale Steyn's departure with a broken shoulder.

The visitors then slam 540 in their second innings and canter to victory by 177 runs.

5. Hobart, November 2016

A collapse in each innings sets the seal on South Africa's series victory and indicates a crisis for Australia, who suffer their fifth straight Test defeat.

In the first innings, Smith's unbeaten 48 accounts for more than half of Australia's 85 all out. Vernon Philander takes 5-21 for South Africa.

There's no improvement from Australia in the second innings as they lose their last eight wickets for 32 runs to go down by an innings and 80 runs in just two days and one session of play, after the second day was washed out.

Images: Getty

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Glasgow Warriors 21
Sharks 10
loading... Live
Titans RSA 135/8
Lions 154/8
loading... Live
Ulster 16
Cardiff Rugby 17
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE