12 Nov 2011

South Africa cruise to early win in first Test against Australia

6:52 am on 12 November 2011

Captain Michael Clarke says he was disgusted with Australia's performance in their eight-wicket loss to South Africa in Cape Town and has declared he's not afraid to make changes for the second Test.

South Africa cantered to victory on day three, in what will go down as one of the most extraordinary Test matches in history.

The Proteas needed 155 runs at the start of play, and had the 236-run target all wrapped up before lunch in just over 50 overs.

The mayhem from day two abated, and experienced statesmen Graeme Smith (101 not out) and Hashim Amla (112) restored some sanity to proceedings by both scoring tons and combining for an emphatic 195-run second-wicket partnership.

Clarke has several headaches, but one is the form of Mitchell Johnson, with the left-armer's erratic bowling returning 61 for 1 at nearly six an over in the fourth innings.

Australia's new skipper described the loss as his lowest point as a player and promised tough selection decisions will be on the table before the Johannesburg Test which starts next Friday.