Australia's hopes of progressing in the World Cup have been shattered after suffering a humiliating defeat against South Africa. This loss marks their second consecutive defeat, leaving them near the bottom of the group standings, just ahead of Afghanistan.
The Challenge to Qualify: Australia's Path to the Semi-Finals
To secure a spot in the semi-finals, Australia now faces the daunting task of winning six out of their remaining seven matches. Their upcoming match against England, referred to as the 'Ahmedabad Ashes' on November 4, could be a decisive moment as England has the potential to eliminate their fierce rivals from the competition.
After a six-wicket defeat in their opening match against tournament favorites India, Australia's latest thrashing was even more devastating. South Africa's formidable batting lineup scored an impressive 311 for seven in Lucknow, while Australia crumbled, managing only 177 all out. This performance has heightened the pressure on captain Pat Cummins.
Australia finds themselves in the company of Sri Lanka, Netherlands, and Afghanistan as the only teams to have lost both of their opening matches. Additionally, their net run rate is in a precarious state, further complicating their quest to stay in the competition.
Australia's next fixture is against Sri Lanka in Lucknow on Monday, followed by matches against Pakistan, Netherlands, and New Zealand leading up to the crucial England showdown.
Australia boasts the most successful history in the World Cup, having won the tournament five times in 12 editions, a feat unmatched by any other nation. They have also been runners-up on two occasions.
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| South Africa wrap up a thumping victory over Australia |
Both of Australia's defeats have been characterized by batting collapses. None of their batsmen have managed to reach a half-century thus far. While their loss to India was attributed to their struggles against spin, their defeat against South Africa was a result of their vulnerability against pace.
The Proteas' formidable new-ball trio, comprising Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada, dismantled Australia's top order, reducing them to 56 for four in the 12th over. The highlight was Rabada's spectacular clean-bowling of Josh Inglis, as the ball seamed away and crashed into the top of off stump.
Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi with two early wickets for South Africa 💪 pic.twitter.com/6YsWduNMOW
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 12, 2023
Controversial Decisions: Umpiring Drama Adds to Australia's Misery
Controversy marred Australia's next dismissal. Marcus Stoinis was initially given not out by the on-field umpire after a delivery from Rabada appeared to hit the batsman's glove. However, replays suggested that the glove was no longer attached to Stoinis's bat handle, indicating that he should have been ruled not out according to the laws of the game. Despite this, third umpire Richard Kettleborough adjudged him out, citing that in his judgment, the bottom hand was touching the top one. Subsequent replays, however, indicated that Stoinis's hands were not actually in contact with each other.
Displaying uncertainty over their best playing XI, Australia made two changes for the match, dropping wicketkeeper Alex Carey and all-rounder Cameron Green. However, Carey's replacement, Josh Inglis, could only manage five runs, while Stoinis, who replaced Green, bowled two overs and contributed five runs with the bat.
Off-spinner Glenn Maxwell emerged as Australia's standout bowler, claiming two wickets for 34 runs. Nevertheless, questions were raised as to why Australia included only one specialist spinner, Adam Zampa, in their final 15-man squad. Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar was originally part of the squad but was replaced by batsman Marnus Labuschagne.
Pace bowler Pat Cummins, despite his impressive Test record, has come under scrutiny after returning figures of one for 71 from nine overs in this competition and one for 104 from 15.1 overs overall. Some have begun to question whether he still deserves a place in Australia's best one-day international XI.