South Africans haven’t had much to cheer about of late

The South African cricket team have promised to improve for next week’s Boxing Day second Test against Australia in Melbourne after their capitulation in Brisbane last week.

To be honest, it’s almost impossible not to show improvement when it comes to their batting department. Yes, both teams struggled on an ridiculously savage Gabba surface – the match ended within two days and the pitch earned a “below average” rating from the International Cricket Council.

However, the Proteas batsmen only batted for a total of 86 overs in the match after being rolled for 152 and 99. That’s just not good enough.

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The hosts didn’t fare much better, but put together a crucial 117-run fourth wicket partnership between Steve Smith and Travis Head in the first innings – the difference between the two teams as they won by six wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

South Africa’s inexperienced batting line-up was exposed and with the Australian bowlers smelling blood, Melbourne won’t be a walk in the park, either.

The Proteas bowlers were sharp, with Kagiso Rabada picking up eight of the 14 wickets. They can’t afford to step off the gas if the visitors have any chance of bouncing back from the Brisbane blunder.

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South Africans haven’t had much to cheer about of late. Let’s hope the Proteas can change that in Melbourne.