New Delhi: Australia`s hopes of preventing South Africa from winning a third consecutive series Down Under suffered a major setback after recording their lowest total against the Proteas at home in Hobart on Saturday.


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Steve Smith`s hapless team were demolished for just 85, with Vernon Philander snaring five for 21 as South Africa seized control on just the opening day of the second Test.


Here's how the wickets fell:-



Only skipper Smith provided any backbone in his unbeaten knock of 48 as the Australians failed to back up their talk of rebounding from their comprehensive 177-run thrashing by the Proteas in the Perth series opener.


South Africa are on the verge of emulating the intimidating West Indies teams of the 1980s-1990s with three straight series wins in Australia after their convincing victory in Perth.


The Hobart rout also follows the first innings collapse of 10 for 86 in Perth when they squandered a 158-run opening stand to surrender meekly to the Proteas.


Cricket statisticians were in overdrive as Australia plumbed new lows in Hobart -- it was also their lowest total since their 76 at home against the West Indies in 1984.


(With inputs from AFP)