Smith 'embarrassed' by latest Australia loss

Dejan Kalinic

Smith 'embarrassed' by latest Australia loss image

Australia captain Steve Smith was left embarrassed by his team's latest capitulation as they suffered a comprehensive loss to South Africa in the second Test.

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The hosts in Hobart fell apart, losing 32-8 on their way to a defeat by an innings and 80 runs on Tuesday.

Smith (31) was one of three batsmen to reach double figures in the second innings, his team having been bowled out for 85 in the first.

The 27-year-old is growing tired of his team's batting collapses, calling for more fight from Australia.

"I'm embarrassed to be sitting here to be honest with you," Smith told a news conference.

"Too many times we've lost wickets in clumps, 8-30 today, 85-10 in the first innings and you're not winning any games of cricket when you're doing that and it's happening way too consistently for my liking.

"We're not being resilient, we're not willing to tough it out and get through tough periods.

"I know the longer you spend out there, things get easier, albeit the wicket was doing quite a bit and it was hard, but the boys have got to start being a bit tougher and getting in a grind and getting in a contest and try and build a few partnerships because right now it's not good enough."

Kyle Abbott (6-77) and Kagiso Rabada (4-34) ripped through Australia on day four, the hosts bowled out for 161 before lunch.

Smith wants more pride from his team, who are 2-0 down in the three-Test series.

"I need players that are willing to get in the contest and get in the battle and have some pride in playing for Australia and pride in the baggy green. That's what I need," he said.

"At the moment, it's not good enough. I'm quite sick of saying it to be honest with you.

"It's happened five Tests in a row now. We've lost five in a row and for an Australian cricket team that's humiliating and I'm embarrassed to be sitting up here in this position."

Dejan Kalinic