CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AFP) — Australia’s last wicket pair saved their team from being bowled out for the lowest total in Test history as both teams collapsed on an extraordinary second day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands yesterday.

South Africa, set 236 to win, were 81 for one at the end of a day on which 23 wickets fell for 294 runs.

Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla batted with a freedom in the final hour that was missing when Shane Watson sent South Africa tumbling to 96 all out in their first innings to give Australia a lead of 188.

But Australia then collapsed to 21 for nine before being bowled out for 47 in their second innings, their lowest total against South Africa and their fourth lowest of all time. New cap Vernon Philander took five for 15 on a pitch which offered plenty of seam movement and had more pace than on the first day.

Australia captain Michael Clarke said it was a memorable day’s cricket, for all the wrong reasons: “I’ve never had a day like this in my career and I hope I never will again.”

Australia had last pair Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon to thank for avoiding being dismissed for less than the world record low of 26, by New Zealand against England in Auckland in 1954/55.