Day of reckoning: Where to now for Australia?

Australia’s mauling at the hands of South Africa has been labelled a changing of the guard.

For several years, Australia held the title as the world number one – the best Test cricketing nation of them all.

However, having been humbled by South Africa in the most damning of ways, their title has been rescinded, and with problems aplenty, it feels as though it’s a title that may not return any time soon.

After a riveting four days of Test cricket in Cape Town, Australia were put to the sword by South Africa on day five; unable to handle the Proteas’ bowling attack, led by the spin of Simon Harmer, Australia fell for just 111 runs – 176 short of the target.

It’s a result that Simon Katich believes has been coming, and one that reflects not only the rise of South Africa, but the fall of Australia.

“It’s a changing of the guard,” Katich told SEN Cricket.

“People might have thought that what happened at Lord’s was an anomaly, when Australia got humbled by South Africa in the World Test Championship Final, but it wasn’t.

“The guard has changed. The scary part is that they’ve probably still got a few places in their team that they haven’t quite filled yet.

“They’ve got some exciting young talent headed by Marco Jansen, and now, the veteran Simon Harmer spins them to victory.

“Seven wickets in just 26 overs – the fight was done and dusted. It was probably done in the first over.”

With high expectations entering the first Test in Durban, Australia capitalised, claiming a 1-0 lead despite evident issues remaining – particularly atop the batting order.

However, it would prove their only victory, as South Africa tore them apart in Gqerberha. Declaring at 425/9 in the first innings, Proteas wouldn’t face another ball in the second Test, rolling the Aussies for 99 in a stunning first innings coup.

A follow-on score of 295 wouldn’t be enough to recover.

Now, having failed at the crease once more, the nation can no longer deny its glaring issues.

“We spoke about it before the first Test; the expectation was, Australia, with their experience, should have won this series comfortably, and they haven’t,” Katich continued.

“They went 1-0 up, they had South Africa by the throat. 110/6, but South Africa just do not give up. They swung it back around, put 425 on the board and all of a sudden, the cracks were open.

“Australia rolled for 99 in just 42 and a half overs, and you don’t recover from those maulings too quickly in a Test series like this. We saw it again today.

“Australia have got massive problems to deal with. They refuse to believe that there’s issues with their batting – well, there is. South Africa have just made it clear to everyone in the world.”

As Gerard Whateley exclaims, this is a moment few will forget in the modern history of Australian cricket.

“This will haunt a few Australians,” he said.

“I wonder what sort of ramifications is has, as careers will likely end at the back of this one way or another, on field and off field.

“The reckoning is upon us.”