Wessels: Australia lacked 'quality, passion and fighting spirit'
Former South African captain Kepler Wessels has accused the Australian Test side of lacking heart and says if the national selectors "had any sense" they would axe Mitch Marsh.
Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.
Former South African captain Kepler Wessels has accused the Australian Test side of lacking heart and says if the national selectors "had any sense" they would axe Mitch Marsh.
Australia have rallied around struggling spinner Nathan Lyon as it emerged Hobart's fickle weather could further dampen a summer already spinning out of control.
Shaken Australia have drafted in batsmen Joe Burns and Callum Ferguson for this week's second Test as they seek to rebound from a 117-run crunching in the series opener in Perth.
It's been a tale of woe in Perth, with Australia's batsmen again failing to deliver the runs required to put their opponents under pressure. There is much for the players - and selectors - to debate heading into the second Test, in Hobart.
Nathan Lyon was left to mull over his worst figures in his Test career, highlighting another terrible day for the Australians in the series opener against South Africa at the WACA.
Shane Warne described it as one of the best run outs he had seen and Michael Vaughan was equally effusive after Temba Bavuma's piece of brilliance ended David Warner's afternoon.
Australia hope an underdone Mitchell Starc will benefit from the grind of Perth and regain his groove when the series shifts to Hobart on Saturday.
Australia's batsmen have been urged to deal with the WACA conditions quicker than they did in their first innings when they chase victory - or look to save - the first Test.
Century-maker JP Duminy says victory in Perth would be one of South Africa's greatest and insists the tourists have the "armory" to take down Australia in the series opener.
National selector Mark Waugh says Mitch Marsh will retain his spot for the second Test in Hobart but he has "got to perform".
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