'Un-Australian, disgraceful': David Warner slams Pat Cummins-led Australia after South Africa Test series defeat

Former Australia opener David Warner has launched a scathing attack on the national team following their 2-1 Test series defeat against South Africa, describing their performance in the deciding match as "un-Australian" and "disgraceful".

Australia suffered a crushing defeat in the third Test in Cape Town after failing to chase down a target of 288 runs on the final day. The visitors lost two wickets in the opening over and collapsed to 42/6 before being bowled out for just 111, handing South Africa a memorable series victory.

The defeat also had significant impact on the ICC Test rankings. South Africa moved ahead of Australia to claim the No.1 position in the men's Test team rankings, while Australia slipped to third in the World Test Championship standings.

David Warner slams Australia's batting performance

Speaking on Fox Sports, Warner expressed his disappointment with Australia's lack of resistance during the final day's play, questioning the team's approach while chasing a challenging target. "I'm just upset. It’s terrible. It’s un-Australian. There’s no fight whatsoever. It’s disgraceful," Warner said.

The former opener pointed out that Australia had a realistic opportunity to win the Test and secure the series but failed to show the determination required in a high-pressure situation. "288, you’re winning a Test match; you could win a series. It's on the line. And this is the way they're playing?" he added.

Warner also criticised Australia's batting unit for repeatedly failing to support the bowlers throughout the series. While acknowledging Matt Renshaw's contribution in the opening Test, he said the batters needed to show greater resilience against South Africa's bowling attack. "I think it’s deplorable. The batters have let the bowlers down the whole series. Yes, Matt Renshaw showed fight in that first Test, but I think the batters have been disgraceful," Warner said.

He also highlighted the threat posed by South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, stressing that Australia's batters needed to withstand the initial pressure and build their innings.

Australia suffer batting collapse in deciding Test

Australia's defeat in Cape Town followed a series in which both teams experienced difficult situations before recovering to secure victories.

In the opening Test in Durban, Australia found themselves struggling at 124/6 before recovering to post 390 in their first innings. Their efforts eventually helped them secure a 214-run victory and take an early lead in the series.

South Africa responded emphatically in the second Test at Gqeberha. After slipping to 110/6, the hosts recovered to declare at 425/9 and went on to win by an innings and 31 runs, levelling the series at 1-1.

The deciding Test in Cape Town followed a similar pattern. South Africa moved from 203/1 to 329 all out in their first innings, allowing Australia to take a 100-run lead.

However, the hosts recovered from 131/4 in their second innings before their bowling attack dismantled Australia's batting lineup on the final day. Australia's collapse from a promising position ultimately handed South Africa the Test and the series 2-1.

South Africa move ahead in ICC Test rankings

The series victory marked a significant achievement for South Africa, who overturned their opening defeat to win the next two Tests and claim the series.

Their triumph also lifted them above Australia to the top of the ICC Men's Test team rankings. Australia, meanwhile, dropped to third in the World Test Championship standings.