New Zealand cringes after ‘shameful’ display

New Zealand’s struggling cricketers were labelled “clueless” Thursday after they were shot out for just 45 in a horror show against South Africa -- the lowest Test score in nearly four decades. Kane Williamson was the only batsman to reach double figures in Cape Town during a humiliating day for the Black Caps on Wednesday, as the home side piled up 252 for three to establish an iron grip on the series opener.

It was the third lowest score in New Zealand’s history, after their world record low of 26 against England in 1955 and 42 against Australia in 1946, and the smallest total seen in Tests since England skittled India for 42 in 1974.

“Utterly embarrassed -- again,” said New Zealand’s Radio Sport, amid widespread condemnation of the inept performance.

The “shameful 45” was “an utter sporting embarrassment,” said broadcaster Martin Devlin of TV One.

Newly installed captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and decided to bat on the green-tinged wicket at Newlands only to see the innings wrecked in just 19.2 overs. South African seamer Vernon Philander finished with magnificent figures of five wickets for seven runs in six devastating overs, with quicks Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel sharing the other five dismissals.

Veteran cricket writer David Leggat called it the worst performance he had witnessed in 30 years of covering New Zealand cricket.

AFP