South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs as Warner condemns collapse

South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs in Cape Town to win the third Test and the series, after a collapse on the final day prompted former Australia opener David Warner to call his old team “utterly disgraceful” and “un-Australian”.

Australia, chasing 288, lost two wickets in Kagiso Rabada’s first over and were all out for 111. Rabada took three wickets in the first half-hour, while Simon Harmer claimed six for 16, including the final wicket.

A run-out added to Australia’s problems: Cameron Green called Josh Inglis through, and Inglis was dismissed for four. Harmer then removed Alex Carey and Cooper Connolly as Australia slumped to 60 for seven by lunch.

Warner, who retired from Test cricket in January 2024, criticised the batting on Fox Sports. “The batters have let the bowlers down all series,” he said, while acknowledging that Matt Renshaw had “showed fight in that first Test”.

Australia resisted briefly after lunch, with captain Pat Cummins blocking for 40 balls before scoring. Green was bowled by Harmer, while Nathan Lyon top-scored with 33 not out.

South Africa’s win followed three closely contested Tests and returned the Proteas to the top of the world rankings, the BBC reported. Australia’s next Test assignment is a home series against New Zealand beginning in December.