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Aussies slump to unprecedented new low with latest loss

Australia have made some brutal unwanted history after their loss in the first ODI against South Africa.

For the first time in Australian cricket history, the ODI side have lost seven-straight matches.

Australia’s batting woes continued on Sunday, with another top-order flop playing a key part in their six-wicket loss to South Africa in Perth.

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The home side never recovered after slumping to 3-8 in the sixth over when captain Aaron Finch failed to review a lbw decision that went against him.

Replays showed the Lungi Ngidi delivery would have sailed over the stumps.

Aaron Finch leads the team from the field after their loss. (Photo by Paul Kane – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)
Aaron Finch leads the team from the field after their loss. (Photo by Paul Kane – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Australia crashed to 6-66 in the 21st over, and were eventually bowled out for 152 in the 39th over in front of 24,342 fans at Perth Stadium.

The home side wouldn’t have reached triple figures if not for wicketkeeper Alex Carey (33 off 71 balls) and tail-ender Nathan Coulter-Nile (34 off 31 balls).

They were the only players to make it past 16.

South Africa cruised to the victory target in just 29.2 overs, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

“They were relentless with their line and length. They were all over us from the start,” Finch said.

Aaron Finch congratulates Faf du Plessis after South Africa won by 6 wickets. (Photo by David Woodley/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Aaron Finch congratulates Faf du Plessis after South Africa won by 6 wickets. (Photo by David Woodley/Action Plus via Getty Images)

“When you come out and the wicket’s doing a little bit, to get through that is really important. To go 3-8 early on was disappointing.”

Australia have now lost 17 of their past 19 ODIs, and are running out of time to get their act together for next year’s World Cup in England.

Batting collapses have become a worrying trend in all three formats for Australia.

The bans handed to Steve Smith and David Warner have further exposed the cracks.

That was evident against Pakistan in the failed Test and T20 tour of the UAE, and Australia showed they were also vulnerable on home soil.