'Un-Australian, disgraceful, immature': Warner, Waugh tear into Australia after series defeat
toi
newspoint|01-11-2026
Australia are facing growing calls for changes following their batting collapse against South Africa in the third Test, with former opener David Warner leading the criticism of what he described as "utterly disgraceful" batting.
Chasing 288 on the fifth day at Newlands in Cape Town, Australia were bowled out for 111. The defeat not only cost them the Test but also saw them lose the series 2-1 after taking a 1-0 lead.
The result also saw defending world champions South Africa move above Australia to the top of the International Cricket Council's Test rankings .
Australia had entered the series with questions over an ageing team, particularly their bowling attack comprising Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. Those concerns followed a surprise nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin in August.
However, it was Australia's batting during the fourth-innings chase in Cape Town that drew the strongest criticism. Poor shot selection and decision-making contributed to their collapse, prompting former players to question the team's performance.
"I'm just upset, it's terrible, it's un-Australian. There's no fight whatsoever, it's disgraceful," Warner said during television commentary.
"Chasing 288, you're winning a Test match, you could win a series, it's on the line, and this is the way that they're playing.
"I think it's deplorable but the batters have let the bowlers down the whole series."
Former Australia batter Mark Waugh also criticised the team's approach. Waugh was part of the Australian side that completed a record run chase at Newlands in 2002.
"That was a terrible two hours of batting. That was immature … it was terrible," he said. "The shot selection, the technique and the execution was not good enough."
Australia's batting concerns have been building for some time. Since Warner retired in 2024, followed by his long-time opening partner Usman Khawaja, the team have struggled to settle on a regular opening pair. Nic Maddinson was the latest batter to get an opportunity but failed to make an impression in South Africa.
Marnus Labuschagne 's latest failure at No. 3 could also put his Test future in doubt. He has received several opportunities from the selectors despite his recent struggles.
There were, however, some positives for Australia. Matt Renshaw made the most of his recall by scoring 190 in the first Test while batting at No. 5. He also scored 74 alongside Travis Head, who opened the batting, in the third Test.
With Steve Smith ruled out of the Cape Town Test due to a neck injury, Josh Inglis came into the side and scored a century.
Chasing 288 on the fifth day at Newlands in Cape Town, Australia were bowled out for 111. The defeat not only cost them the Test but also saw them lose the series 2-1 after taking a 1-0 lead.
The result also saw defending world champions South Africa move above Australia to the top of the International Cricket Council's Test rankings .
Australia had entered the series with questions over an ageing team, particularly their bowling attack comprising Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. Those concerns followed a surprise nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin in August.
However, it was Australia's batting during the fourth-innings chase in Cape Town that drew the strongest criticism. Poor shot selection and decision-making contributed to their collapse, prompting former players to question the team's performance.
"I'm just upset, it's terrible, it's un-Australian. There's no fight whatsoever, it's disgraceful," Warner said during television commentary.
"Chasing 288, you're winning a Test match, you could win a series, it's on the line, and this is the way that they're playing.
"I think it's deplorable but the batters have let the bowlers down the whole series."
Former Australia batter Mark Waugh also criticised the team's approach. Waugh was part of the Australian side that completed a record run chase at Newlands in 2002.
"That was a terrible two hours of batting. That was immature … it was terrible," he said. "The shot selection, the technique and the execution was not good enough."
Australia's batting concerns have been building for some time. Since Warner retired in 2024, followed by his long-time opening partner Usman Khawaja, the team have struggled to settle on a regular opening pair. Nic Maddinson was the latest batter to get an opportunity but failed to make an impression in South Africa.
Marnus Labuschagne 's latest failure at No. 3 could also put his Test future in doubt. He has received several opportunities from the selectors despite his recent struggles.
There were, however, some positives for Australia. Matt Renshaw made the most of his recall by scoring 190 in the first Test while batting at No. 5. He also scored 74 alongside Travis Head, who opened the batting, in the third Test.
With Steve Smith ruled out of the Cape Town Test due to a neck injury, Josh Inglis came into the side and scored a century.
