Search
Close this search box.
Ozzie News
Search
Close this search box.

Ozzie cricketers slump to lowest score in 109 years

On Thursday, cricket historians were reviewing their record books as an astonishing day of Test cricket unfolded, with Australia being bowled out for a mere 47 runs in Cape Town.

At one point, it threatened to be even worse for Australia, who found themselves at 21-9 and on the verge of achieving the lowest total ever recorded in Test cricket.

Ultimately, their total stood as the fourth lowest in Australian Test history and marked the lowest score since 1902.

Earlier in the second day’s play of the first Test at Newlands, the Australians were in high spirits after bowling out the home team, South Africa, for 96, only to be quickly brought back down to earth.

On his debut, Vernon Philander took five wickets for South Africa, while Nathan Lyon emerged as Australia’s top scorer with just 14 runs.

As a result of the day’s events, South Africa was left needing 236 runs to secure a victory.

This unfolding drama is undoubtedly regarded as a boost for Test cricket, which some analysts suggest is at risk due to the more commercially lucrative Twenty20 format. However, it is crucial to highlight the inconsistency of these two prominent cricketing nations playing only two Tests in this series.

On a bewildering day, Australia actually continued their innings from the previous day, advancing from an overnight score of 214-8 to reach 281 in the bright Cape Town sunshine.

Michael Clarke, who resumed his innings unbeaten at 107, added several impressive strokes to complete a total of 151. In retrospect, that innings stands out as a remarkable achievement for the Australian captain.

In stark contrast, South Africa had a disastrous first innings, collapsing from a solid 49-1 to finishing at 96 all out. Shane Watson took full advantage, claiming five wickets, while Ryan Harris supported him with four wickets.

This, however, was just the calm before the true tempest of the second day.

Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news directly in your email inbox.