Smith ’embarrassed’ by latest Australia loss

But it has been hard to find a more positive take on Steve Smith’s Test side anywhere down under in the last 24 hours after a second crushing blow from South Africa confirmed defeat in the three-match series and a fifth straight loss on the bounce. Probably the Australian think tank had no answer to their recent woes. He said only Smith, Warner, Hazlewood and Mitch Starc were safe – everyone else has been sent back to domestic cricket for match practice. While Smith was fielding at slip Warner was at on-field.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said on Sunday that preparation could not have been an issue. To come here and do it 2-0, is special for us as a team. “This is one of those sessions we will always remember as a team, that won us the series and it was unbelievable”.

South Africa: First innings: 326 all out in 100.5 overs. “That’s what the South Africans didn’t do and it’s tough to play against”, he added.

The world governing body has five days from the close of play on Tuesday to charge the South Africa skipper after the match referee’s report did not mention the incident. The total was enough for the Proteas bowler to defend. He got the desired support from the other end by young Kagiso Rabada, who claimed the remaining four wickets.

Khawaja, who scored a fighting fifty on Day 3, was the first batsman to be dismissed on Day 4 as he edged one behind the wicket at the score of 64.

His side glided to an innings-and-80-run victory and unassailable series lead as Australia’s batting order twice collapsed for 85 and 161. This is their three consecutive series victory Down Under.

Meanwhile, Australia coach, Darren Lehmann, came down heavily on his payers for the dismal performance.

“They had lost their captain, AB de Villiers, before the series even started and then experienced another big blow when our attack leader, Dale Steyn, was lost barely a day into the series”. So it proved that Proteas reserve bench is ready to serve whenever required.

Rabada jumped four places to take 16th slot in the rankings for Test Bowlers.

“Australians are a tough team and to get a win against them on their home soil is great”, said South African captain Faf du Plessis. “That’s what I need”, Smith said. “It’s just about being able to spend enough time out there, grind it out”.

In some ways, it was lucky for Smith that the match finished on a Tuesday before lunch, when the audience was far from peaking. His personal score reads 0, 34, 48*, 31.

Australia, who lost the opener against South Africa by 177 runs in Perth, head into the series finale at Adelaide Oval riding a five-match losing streak, with confidence at rock bottom.

Debutant Callum Ferguson was not having the sort of debut he had hoped for as he got out for just 1 run.