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Summary Australian team dismissed for 47 in 2nd innings, setting South Africa a target of 236 for victory.
Australia narrowly avoided scoring the lowest ever test total as they capitulated to 47 all out against South Africa following an extraordinary second day of the first test on Thursday.Despite their fourth lowest total, worst against South Africa and lowest test score since 1902, Australia could still win on day three although the hosts closed on 81 for one needing another 155 for victory in the first of two tests.A dogged last-wicket stand of 26 from Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon made sure the tourists got past the lowest test score of 26 by New Zealand against England in 1955 and Australias lowest of 36 against England in 1902.South Africa had earlier been bowled out for 96 on a reasonable-looking wicket after the tourists had made 284 in their first innings with captain Michael Clarke scoring 151.Parts of all four innings took place on the same day as 23 wickets fell despite the ball not doing a huge amount.Number 11 Lyon was Australias top scorer in their second innings with just 14 after tests debutant Vernon Philander took five for 15 off seven overs as Cape Town witnessed an amazing passage of play.Wickets were falling so often it was hard to keep up as Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin and Shaun Marsh all went for ducks.
