Marsh believes Australia’s capitulation “one off”

Geoff Marsh said Wednesday that Australia’s capitulation for a mere 47 in the first Test against South Africa was a “one off” thing and that his country’s team is still one of the top sides in the world.

South Africa won the Test at Cape Town by eight wickets after a tumultous second day’s play when 21 wickets fell with the hosts bowled out for 96 before Australia were shot out for their fourth lowest total in all Tests.

Marsh said Australia were still a very good team. “I didn’t have time to watch it as we were in training,” said Marsh, who is here as Sri Lankan coach taking on Pakistan in the one-day series. “That was an unbelievable day of cricket.

“I definitely think that’s one off for Australia, Cape Town is just like that, I know the ball swings and you need to give South Africans credit,” said Marsh, a former Australian opener who coached them to World Cup win in 1999.

Marsh described the second day’s play as typical of cricket. “South Africa lost nine wickets for 47 and Australia lost ten for 47 but that is the game of cricket, both sides have very good batting line ups but that’s cricket and that’s why we love the game,” said Marsh.

Marsh hoped Australia would still be able to turn things around when they face South Africa in the second Test in Johannesburg starting from Thursday.

DUBAI, AFP