Australia captain Steve Smith says he’s hurting after their third consecutive series loss at home to the Proteas.
The 27-year-old held nothing back in the post-match press conference, lamenting his side’s performance and pleading with the rest of his teammates to step up to the challenge.
Smith fought a lone battle throughout Australia’s two innings. He was stranded on 48 not out in the first innings with 10 the next-best score. In the second innings he was the eighth wicket to fall on 31, with no one below him scoring more than six.
‘I’m embarrassed to be sitting here with you to be honest with you,’ Smith told the press. ‘I’m hurting. It’s another disappointing performance. Another big collapse and it’s happening way too often.’
It was Australia’s fifth Test defeat in a row, off the back of five ODI defeats in a row in South Africa. Smith said his side’s inability to have the character to get through tough times is what’s letting them down, as he hinted at major changes to the side for the third Test under lights in Adelaide.
‘It was another big collapse and it’s happening way too often,’ he said. ‘Things aren’t going to plan and we’re not willing to get through tough times.
‘I’m doing my best in terms of trying to lead from the front as much as I can. I need players who are willing to get into the contest and battle and have some pride to play for the Baggy greens. At the moment it’s not good enough.
‘There’s going to be a lot talked about in terms of selection,’ he continued. ‘I’m sure questions are going to be asked of everyone.We don’t have an answer at the moment. We’re not resilient enough and we don’t have the pride. Something has to change in order to start winning games again.’
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