The Reverse Sweep

4th Test: Australia vs India - Australia marks out of 10

Ed Cowan - 5: Got a start in both innings but was unable to go on and fell to spin each time. Took the catch that saw Tendulkar leave the crease for probably the last time in a Test in Australia.

David Warner - 4: There was no repeat of his explosive heroics at Perth as the early introduction of spin troubled him and bogged him down.

Shaun Marsh - 1: More Quicksand than Marsh. Just 17 runs in the series at a hideous average of 2.83 - even Chris Martin (the cricketer or the Coldplay frontman) would be embarrassed with that.

Ricky Ponting - 10: If his hundred at Sydney was redemptive, the double ton here saw Ponting almost back to his brilliant and dismissive best. Many thought he was finished after Cape Town, but 705 runs at 70.5 since then suggests the contrary.

Michael Clarke - 10: A dream end to a dream series for the captain with a double hundred to set alongside his triple hundred at Sydney adding up to 626 runs at 125 for the series where his side have completely steamrollered and whitewashed a feeble opposition.

Mike Hussey - 5: Looked in good touch before being brilliantly run out by Gambhir in the 1st innings and was the victim of a borderline leg before to Sharma second time around.

Brad Haddin - 6: Got some cheap runs off a bruised and battered attack but it can only be a matter of time before iron gloves waves adieu to international cricket.

Peter Siddle - 9: Seems to have benefitted the most from the McDermott effect. Found life on a pitch where there was none, which makes his 1st innings five for all the more impressive. Ended up with 23 wickets at 19 in the series, but his strike rate of a wicket every 32 balls is even more impressive.

Ryan Harris - 8: The best tribute you can pay him is that Australia didn't really miss the bowler he replaced - James Pattinson. The more difficult task is how to keep him fit.

Ben Hilfenhaus - 8: Woefully impotent in last year's Ashes but as dangerous as a rabid dog in this series. Picked up another four wickets to take his series tally to 27 at an average of just 17.

Nathan Lyon - 7: The ultimate rags to riches story. A groundsman for the last Adelaide Test here he bagged an enviable list of victims including Laxman (twice), Sehwag and Tendulkar - all of whom were probably playing their last Test innings in Australia.

Where next?

4th Test: Australia vs India - India marks out of 10

Ricky Ponting proves the doubters (and gladly us) wrong

3rd Test marks out of 10: Australia and India

2nd Test marks out of 10: Australia and India

1st Test marks out of 10: Australia and India

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Annus Orior Oriri Ortus: The breakthrough Test XI of 2011

Well, we’ve already picked our best and worst Test XIs of 2011 at The Reverse Sweep and with (for once) perfect timing our final XI of 2011, which was published yesterday on All Out Cricket features those who made their bows in Test cricket and made an instant impression.

Why perfect timing, you may ask? Well, it may have escaped your attention that David Warner yesterday made the joint fourth fastest Test hundred in history and the quickest by an opener. Clearly though his inclusion in our XI is the biggest milestone he has yet achieved in his short Test career.

To see who else joins him in our XI having appeared for the first time on the Test stage and enjoyed an annus orior oriri ortus (the closest we could find in Latin to 'breakthrough' if you were interested) please head over to All Out Cricket to read our Breakthrough Acts XI of 2011.

Where next?

Annus mirabilis: The best Test XI of 2011

Annus horribilis: The Worst Test XI of 2011

Who are cricket's likely future greats?

Read our Cricket Review of 2011

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

2nd Test: Australia vs India - Australia marks out of 10

David Warner - 3: Fell in the first over of the Australian innings to a delivery outside his off-stump that he could have left, but produced a stunning catch to snare Sehwag when India batted a second time. 

Ed Cowan - 3: Beaten for pace by Zaheer to get caught in front to leave his side in trouble at 37/3. Will get at least one more opportunity before Shane Watson returns. Picked up three catches at short-leg.

Shaun Marsh - 1: Another duck - this one of the golden variety - to leave Marsh with just three runs from three innings in the series. Suckered by Zaheer at one he didn't need to play at.

Ricky Ponting - 9: Finally after 720 days and 34 innings, Ponting finally hit his 40th Test hundred and it was a good one too with a theatrical climax and a desperate dive for the precious final run before the smiling hero emerged with bat aloft and shirt dirtied. 

Michael Clarke - 10: It won't get any better than this for Pup. A triple hundred, the highest Test score at the SCG on the occasion of its 1ooth Test, the wicket of Tendulkar, a crushing innings victory for his side and Kyly looking radiant to complete Clarke's journey from zero to hero after the boos of 12 months ago.

Mike Hussey - 9: It must have been a long time since Hussey walked to the crease with 325 runs already on the board and he duly cashed in. Opened up with four commanding boundaries and went on to a chanceless hundred.  

Brad Haddin - 2: At another time his dreadful drop to reprieve Gambhir just before stumps on day 3 could have cost his side dearly. As unreliable behind the stumps in this Test as he has been in front of them over the past year. This may prove to be his last Test series. 

Peter Siddle - 8: Picked up five victims in the match and passed 100 Test wickets. Clearly enjoys his enforcer role and now has 28 wickets at 27 since coming back into the side.

James Pattinson - 8: Bowled wonderfully well on day one to take out four of India's top five and set up the Test for his side. His loss to a foot injury for the series is a big blow, but with 25 wickets at 18 from his first four Tests this hugely promising bowler will be back.  

Ben Hilfenhaus - 9: We were told that we would see a different bowler from the one that floundered so badly in the Ashes and a second successive five-for was proof of that. The ball to remove Laxman's off-stump was particularly memorable.

Nathan Lyon - 5: Provided decent enough control when called upon and picked up Sharma to register his first wicket of the match and second of the series. Will be looking forward to the Adelaide Test and a pitch that aids spin.

Where next?

2nd Test: Australia vs India - India marks out of 10

The best Test XI of 2011

The redemption of Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting hundreds just a sideshow for Channel 9

India's batting line-up and Goebbels's big lie

Read our Cricket Review of 2011

1st Test: Australia vs India - Australia marks out of 10

1st Test: Australia vs India - India marks out of 10

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Cricket memories of 2011: Australia are bowled out for 47

It was one of the most memorable and error strewn days of Test cricket ever, but there had been no sign of the carnage to follow prior to lunch when Australia’s 1st innings had ended on 284 and South Africa in reply had moved sedately to 49/1.

Then the cricketing equivalent of the Somme ensued as 19 wickets fell in an avalanche of skilful bowling and woeful batting between lunch and the first hour after tea

First, South Africa capsized to 96 all out with Shane Watson taking five wickets and Ryan Harris four to hand Australia what looked like a decisive lead of 188. But this proved to be the mere hors d’oeuvre.

Australia quickly lost three wickets to be 13 for three by tea and then lost a frantic 6 for 8 on resumption to be a scarcely believable 21 for nine, still five runs short of the lowest Test score ever and 15 short of their own nadir.

Complete embarrassment was averted by the last wicket pair of Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon as they took the score to 47, but the shock it gave Australia and the fillip it provided to South Africa meant that the hosts had no trouble in negotiating a target of 236.

2011 was a case of two steps forward, one step back for Australia. The year started badly with an innings defeat at Sydney handing England a 3-1 Ashes win and continued with a quarter-final exit at the World Cup.

This saw the handing of the baton to a new captain in Michael Clarke, whose adventurous style bodes well. They became the first side to win a Test series in Sri Lanka for four years and but for the aforementioned collapse in Cape Town and a similar if less dramatic one in Hobart could conceivably have beaten South Africa and New Zealand 2-0.

A new core of potential stars has been identified in David Warner, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon and perhaps best of all the 18 year old fast bowler Pat Cummins whilst the likes of Phil Hughes have been discarded.

The 47 all out may be seen in years to come as a turning point or it could just be one dip in the game of snakes and ladders that Australia currently seem embroiled in.

Where next?

Michael Clarke, Lara Bingle and Australia's 47 all out

Australia - The Great Entertainers

The David Warner Experiment

Has Ricky Ponting lost his punch?

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

1st Test: Australia vs India - Australia marks out of 10

David Warner - 5: Caught hooking after a breezy Sehwag-esque 1st innings 37 and played on to a very loose shot early in the Australian 2nd innings. Partnership with Cowan looks a promising contrast of styles. Great catch to seal the win.

Ed Cowan - 7: Looked instantly at home on Test debut and was undaunted by the 70,000 crowd and bowler friendly conditions to produce a retro-style Test innings from an opener that would have had Geoff Boycott licking his lips. The main feature of his 68 was his sound judgement and when and when not to leave - something that deserted him second time around.

Shaun Marsh - 2: Looked rustier than the rustiest nail on the rustiest old wreck at the bottom of the ocean, which was hardly surprising given he was more undercooked after his recent back injury than a raw piece of meat. The obduracy he displayed in his Test career previous to this will be needed for the rest of the series.

Ricky Ponting - 8: Crucial fifties in both innings on a tricky pitch when Australia had been teetering on the brink of further collapses showed that still has the appetite. But his long famine without a hundred now streches to a biblical 33 innings. His once formidable conversion percentage too now completely eludes him with only two of his last 20 fifties having been converted into tons. Will the famine end in Sydney? 

Michael Clarke - 5: Outfoxed by Zaheer on Boxing Day and beaten by a beauty from Ishant second time around. Captaincy continues to be enterprising, skilful and bold, which was epitomised when opting to bat after winning the toss in swinging and seaming conditions similar to those that Australia had been shot out for 98 on Boxing Day last year.

Michael Hussey - 7: As at Brisbane in the 1st Ashes Test last year, Hussey rose from his death bed just when the last rites were being read. His 2nd innings 89 probably saved his Test career and perhaps his side from emulating the dreaded 47 all out of just a few weeks ago. The rumour that Hussey is actually a particularly resilient cockroach in a cunning disguise is still so far unproven - see also Michael Hussey is not dead.

Brad Haddin - 4: For once showed some responsibility during his partnership with Siddle on the first evening before reverting to type the next morning and then being dismissed to the latest in a long line of woeful dismissals in the 2nd innings. Jarrod Kimber says that he'd prefer Tim Paine instead of Haddin even though he doesn't have any hands and he may well be right.

Peter Siddle - 8: A good Test for the Victorian with six wickets and Tendulkar's scalp in both innings including a pearler in the first that helped inspire Australia's fightback with the ball. Another useful cameo with the bat - his 1st innings 41 was the seventh time in his last 17 Test innings that he has hit a score of 20 or more. They'll be calling him an all-rounder next.

James Pattinson - 9: A second man of match award in only his third Test - as many as Jason Gillespie managed in his entire career - and it was richly deserved too. He sustained hostility, pace and a testing length throughout and combined six wickets with 55 unconquered runs - with his second innings 37 being a career best that ultimately put the game out of India's reach.

Ben Hilfenhaus - 9: The shadow of the bowler that featured in last year's Ashes series was well and truly gone as the big Tasmanian took his first Test five-for and seven wickets in all with a wonderful display of accurate fast-medium bowling. Like Pattinson, also added useful runs in both innings too.

Nathan Lyon - 6: Not a great wicket for a spinner and he only bowled 22.5 overs in the match. But he was tidy enough against the best players of spin in world cricket and even had the honour of taking the final wicket to fall.

Where next?

1st Test: India marks out of 10

Read our Cricket Review of 2011

Michael Hussey is not dead

Ed Cowan makes Geoffrey Boycott happy (probably)

Australia v India - Who will win?

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

Australia v India - Who will win?

Twelve months ago it was the Ashes and now this year the schedule has thrown up another fascinating battle down under with India this time the visitors. 

Much of the talk leading up to the 1st Test in Melbourne has been the woes of Australia's batting line-up, which saw them skittled for 47 in Cape Town and snatching defeat from the jaws of victory against New Zealand in Hobart.

But another way of looking at it is but for these inexplicable collapses, Australia would have registered 2-0 series wins in South Africa and at home to the Black Caps, which would have been mighty impressive results and would have followed on from the series win in Sri Lanka.

Those three contests have been the first under Michael Clarke and we have been mightily impressed with his skilful, thoughtful and adventurous captaincy. He certainly looks an improvement on Ricky Ponting as skipper.

What about India? Their batting line-up with a man as talented as Virat Kohli at six and Rohit Sharma not even able to get into the XI looks immense, but so it did in England when Rahul Dravid apart they struggled in seaming and swinging conditions against a strong England attack.

Australia's bowling attack is not as good as England's but James Pattinson and Nathan Lyon have made promising starts to their international careers, Peter Siddle seems to relish being the senior member of the attack and Ben Hilfenhaus is reportedly back to his best after disappointing in the Ashes last winter. Then there is the teenage sensation pat Cummins to come back in once he is fit.

India's hopes with the ball rely heavily on the fitness of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma. Both are struggling with ankle problems and it is hard to see an attack shorn of either or both being able to take 20 wickets. Umesh Yadav looks a good prospect as does Varun Aaron, but asking them to lead the attack at this stage of their careers would be risky to say the least.

So Australia's brittle batting line-up could be set to get some respite and with the selectors picking an opener in Ed Cowan who can actually bat against the moving ball, also recalling the resolute Shaun Marsh and with Shane Watson in reserve from the 2nd Test onwards, it looks set to be a fascinating contest.

So who will win? On paper it looks too close to call. India have drawn their two previous series in Australia and the easiest option here would be to predict another spare of the spoils. But we've got an inkling that Australia will prove the fittest and hungriest side and with Adelaide likely to see a draw, we go for the home side to win the series 2-1. But we've been wrong before...

Where next?

Ed Cowan's selection for the Boxing Day Test is a victory for intellect and common sense

Chasing Sachin by Adam Carroll-Smith | Book Review

Australia - The Great Entertainers

Sachin Tendulkar or Donald Bradman - Who is the greatest?

The 30 Greatest Batsmen Ever: Part 1 (30-21), Part 2 (20-11), Part 3 (10-1)

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

2nd Test: Australia vs New Zealand - Australia marks out of 10

David Warner  - 9: One swallow may not make a summer but Warner’s valiant, unbowed if ultimately futile maiden Test hundred suggested that those (including us – see The David Warner experiment) who said he would be found out at the top level were premature in their assessment.

Phillip Hughes – 2: Four innings, four failures and four c Guptill b Martin’s on the scorecard. Cut a sad and disconsolate figure as he departed in full knowledge that the axe is about to fall. Averages just 24 since returning against England at the WACA one year ago.

Usman Khawaja – 4: Got starts in both innings but was unable to go on; being found out outside off stump on both occasions. It seems the new generation of Australian batsmen are just as susceptible in swinging and seaming conditions as the old.

Ricky Ponting – 3: Not a happy homecoming to the scene of his last Test hundred - now 31 innings ago - and the mode of dismissal in both innings suggested that as the Rolling Stones once sang the best batsman Australia has produced since Bradman is ‘Out of Time’.

Michael Clarke – 5: As at Johannesburg, the skipper followed up a century in the first of a two Test series with two low scores – including a misjudged shouldering of arms that was reminiscent of his dismissal to Simon Jones at Old Trafford in 2005. Continues to impress with his attacking captaincy and skilful handling of a young, inexperienced attack.

Mike Hussey – 3: Two more failures, which means that since his starring role in Sri Lanka, Mr Cricket has only totalled 83 runs in seven innings. Did take his now customary wicket with the ball.

Brad Haddin – 2: Smart piece of quick-thinking to stump Ryder, but reckless, irresponsible and to be frank brainless dismissals in both innings could yet prove to be his Test epitaph.

Peter Siddle – 7: Enjoyed leading the attack and impressed with three wickets in each innings. Once again added vital runs when his team were in trouble in the first innings, but couldn’t repeat the trick second time around.

James Pattinson – 9: This Test cricket lark - easy isn’t it? Pattinson would be forgiven for thinking so after adding eight wickets here to six on debut in Brisbane. India’s batsmen are likely to prove a much tougher proposition, but with the parallel emergence of Cummins, Australia have found a pair of likely lads to spearhead its bowling attack for years to come.

Mitchell Starc – 2: Was flattered with two fortuitous wickets in the 1st innings and his poor performance may have had some Australians pining for Mitchell Johnson. He really was that bad.

Nathan Lyon – 7: Continues to impress both in terms of his talent and temperament. Nearly succeeded in carrying his side over the line in partnership with Warner and his disappointment was palpable as he sunk to his knees in despair when dismissed with just seven more runs required.

Where next?

2nd Test: Australia vs New Zealand - New Zealand marks out of 10

James Pattinson and Big Brother

1st Test: Australia vs New Zealand - Australia marks out of 10

1st Test: Australia vs New Zealand - New Zealand marks out of 10

Cricket zeroes: Channel 9's Commentary Team

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

1st Test: Australia vs New Zealand - Australia marks out of 10

David Warner - 3: First foray to the crease in Tests wasn't a success and one wonders whether asking the T20 specialist to step up to this level is like expecting a good sevens player to make an instant impression in the 15 man code.

Phil Hughes - 3: The second member of Australia's most unlikely opening partnership since the days of Packer was caught in the gully off Martin in both innings. Ed Cowan must be scratching his head as to how Hughes and Warner get selected ahead of him.

Usman Khawaja - 6: Looked comfortable at the highest level once again before Ponting called him for a sharp single from the first ball after Tea. More caffeine required next time Usman.

Ricky Ponting - 7: We asked a few weeks ago if Ponting had lost his punch, but like any great former champion, if you put a sub-standard journeyman (like the Black Caps attack) in front of them they are still able to demonstrate their class. Still without a ton in 29 Test innings though and Ponting will rue the chance he let slip here.

Michael Clarke - 9: Captaincy certainly seems to sit well with Pup. He handled his inexperienced bowling attack well and with imagination and struck his third hundred in six Tests as skipper to demonstrate how he is thriving on the added responsibility. The cowed figure of the last Ashes series is now completely transformed.

Mike Hussey - 5: Almost 12 months to the day since Hussey saved his career on this ground. But he couldn't repeat the trick this time scratching around for 15 before being outfoxed by Vettori. It was small revenge for the bowler after Hussey's direct hit had left him four short of a hundred.

Brad Haddin - 7: With many observers questioning his place in the side, Haddin couldn't have asked for a better early Christmas present than this New Zealand attack and he responded with a typically brusque 80.

Peter Siddle - 6: Led the attack well on a pitch he enjoys, but part of him must be concerned that the strong performance of the young guns may put his place at risk when the likes of Harris and Cummins return. Not a number eight on this showing.

James Pattinson - 9: Recovered from a chastening first over in Test cricket to decimate the Kiwis 2nd innings and show that the future of the Australian bowling attack is not just about Pat Cummins. It would seem that just like Labour party did in choosing Ed over David, England picked the wrong brother.

Mitchell Starc - 6: Was expensive and a bit wayward - well what do you expect from a left arm bowler called Mitchell? But did enough on debut to suggest there could be more to come. Useful runs too. 

Nathan Lyon - 9: Hugely impressive again. Got flight, turn and bounce throughout and troubled all of the New Zealand batsmen. After having had more spin doctors than Tony Blair had in his 10 years as Prime Minister, Australia finally seemed to have found a suitable (if purely mortal) replacement for that bloke called Shane.

Where next?

1st Test: Australia vs New Zealand - New Zealand marks out of 10

The David Warner Experiment

Has Ricky Ponting lost his punch?

2nd Test: South Africa v Australia - Australia marks out of 10

1st Test: South Africa v Australia - Australia marks out of 10

Ashes 2010/11: Australia series marks out of 10

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

2nd Test: South Africa v Australia - Australia marks out of 10

Shane Watson - 7: His body let him down just as he was looking impressive with the ball on day one. Batted well for his 88, but once again failed to get to three figures - it was the 18th time he has passed 50 in Test cricket, but has only gone on to reach 100 twice. His future lies down the order. 

Phil Hughes - 7: Batted entertainingly during his big partnership with Watson on day two and deserved a hundred. Will now get the opportunity to plunder some runs off New Zealand's weak attack.

Usman Khawaja - 7:  The replacement for the injured Marsh showed once again that he has the technique and temperament for Test cricket even if his failure to pick Tahir's googly led to his downfall after his crucial 65.

Ricky Ponting - 6: Things looked bleak after his 1st innings duck, but if nothing Ponting is a fighter and responded to his predicament by displaying better footwork and a straighter bat than he has for a long time. It was a shame he couldn't go on to make a hundred but this knock and injuries should keep him in the XI for the New Zealand series at least.

Michael Clarke - 4: After his wonderful hundred at Newlands, the skipper failed in both innings here, but he won't mind given the manner of his side's stunning victory and the way they bounced back from that humiliating 47 all out. Is starting to look like a decent leader.

Mike Hussey - 5: A quiet series after scoring heavily in Sri Lanka recently. Got starts in both innings, but was unable to go on and has a tendancy to get stuck in his crease.

Brad Haddin - 6: Picked an opportune time to score his first fifty of the year as he and Johnson compiled the partnership that won the game. Will need to kick on if he is to see off the challenge of Tim Paine and Matthew Wade.

Mitchell Johnson - 5:  Another stop-start performance, but looked good in the morning session on day four where he found some movement and batted intelligently (not a word you'd usually associate with him) to see his side over the winning line. May get a couple more opportunities in the last chance saloon.

Peter Siddle - 5: Helped put the brakes on South Africa's 1st innings with the wickets of Kallis, De Villiers and Boucher, but whilst his heart can not be questioned doubts still remain over how good a Test bowler he actually is.

Patrick Cummins - 9: Does it get any better than this? The 18 year old debutant's first Test wicket was Amla, then he led the attack magnificently to take a six wicket haul in the 2nd innings, hit the winning runs and was given the man of the match award. The future's bright, the future's Cummins.

Nathan Lyon - 6: He's no Warne, but he did bowl tidily throughout to pick up four wickets and continue to give the impression that Andrew Hilditch's last punt as head of the Australian selectors may well have been a decent one.

Where next?

2nd Test: South Africa v Australia - South Africa marks out of 10

1st Test: South Africa v Australia - South Africa marks out of 10

1st Test: South Africa v Australia - Australia marks out of 10

Dale Steyn's formidable statistics

What Jacques Kallis had for breakfast this morning

Has Ricky Ponting lost his punch?

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep

1st Test: South Africa v Australia - Australia marks out of 10

Shane Watson - 6: A real mixed bag: failed twice with the bat, bowled full and straight to wreak havoc after lunch on day two and then dropped Amla early on the final morning. If Australia see him as an all-rounder then he must drop down the order.

Phil Hughes - 4: A pair of nine's, which in the context of this Test wasn't too bad but how he can picked ahead of Simon Katich beggars belief.

Shaun Marsh - 6: Showed real doggedness first time around in his key partnership with Clarke and then got just what you wouldn't want with a bad back in the second innings - one that kept low. None of the blame for this fiasco should be laid at the feet of Marsh.

Ricky Ponting - 2: Forget the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, Ponting's fall from grace seems to be even more dramatic. He missed two straight ones to be leg before in both innings and John Inverarity has his first really big decision to make.

Michael Clarke - 8: The skipper didn't deserve to be presiding over this disaster after hitting the best hundred of his career on day one. Fronted up with bravery and honesty in the post-match conferences.

Mike Hussey - 1: Just one run and his loose shot to be dismissed in the second innings was not becoming of such an experienced player. Dropping Amla off the final ball of the second day capped off a poor match for Mr Cricket.

Brad Haddin - 0: If prison sentences were handed out for reckless and wanton batting then Haddin would surely be incarcerated for his diabolical dismissal in the second innings. Matthew Wade or Tim Paine can expect to be handed the gloves very soon.

Mitchell Johnson - 2: So the nine wickets in the warm-up match proved a false dawn as in a match dominated by bowlers, Johnson only had the consolation wicket of Amla in 16 overs that cost 87 runs. How long can Australia afford to persevere with him?

Ryan Harris - 6: Bowled wonderfully well in the first innings in conditions and a pitch that suited him, but was disappointing second time around when he offered plenty of opportunities to Amla and Smith to reach the boundary.

Peter Siddle - 5: There's no doubting Siddle's competitiveness as ably demonstrated by his batting in both innings, but question marks over his quality as a Test match bowler still exist and were not answered here. 

Nathan Lyon - 4: Only got three overs with the ball, but his contribution in saving Australia from total ignominy and the lowest ever Test score will never be forgotten. Will hope that this is the first and last time he top scores in a Test innings.

Where next?

1st Test: South Africa v Australia - South Africa marks out of 10

Michael Clarke, Lara Bingle and Australia's 47 all out

Dale Steyn's place in the cricketing pantheon alongside Sachin Tendulkar

Dale Steyn's duel with Michael Clarke

Cricket Zeroes: Mitchell Johnson

Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes 

If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep