David Warner branded Australia’s performance “un-Australian” and “disgraceful” after they were bowled out for just 111 to suffer defeat in the deciding Test in Cape Town. South Africa won by 176 runs, took the series 2-1 and knocked Australia off the top of the Test rankings. Set 288 on the final day, the tourists were 60-7 by lunch.
Warner, who opened for Australia until retiring from Test cricket in 2024, did not hold back on Fox Sports. There is no fight whatsoever. It is disgraceful," Warner said.
"The batters have let the bowlers down all series. Matt Renshaw showed fight in that first Test, but I think the batters have been utterly disgraceful." Renshaw was caught down the leg side off Kagiso Rabada in the opening over, a dismissal that drew little sympathy from Warner. "Renshaw was burgled down the leg side.
It is on the line and this is the way they play," he said. "It is deplorable." Rabada trapped Marnus Labuschagne lbw in the same over, then had Travis Head caught by Marco Jansen at gully with Australia 22-3. It was his 350th Test wicket, reached in just 13,808 balls - fewer than anyone before him.
Labuschagne's lean run continued, with the batter now having gone 49 Test innings without a century. Australia were also without Steve Smith, who missed the match through injury. Australia's collapse continued when Cameron Green pushed Simon Harmer into the covers and called Josh Inglis through for a single that was never on.
Inglis was run out, prompting former South Africa captain Graeme Smith to criticise the decision on Sky Sports. A bad call from Green," he said. Harmer then ripped through the remaining batting order, taking the final six wickets for just 16 runs.
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