In all honesty, Australia make painful start

After a week of turmoil for Australian cricket in the wake of the stinging cultural review, head coach Justin Langer wanted his side to bring back a smile to the sport when the Australians took to the field in the opening one-day international against South Africa on Sunday.

It was time, said Langer, for the host nation to put on a ‘‘show’’ for all concerned, coming as the team embraced a new series of slogans, as shown in a tweet from their dressing room in Perth.

‘‘Pressure’’ and ‘‘patience’’ were listed on the walls, so, too, was ‘‘elite honesty’’, the latter prompting damning and satirical responses on social media.

‘‘The Aussie way, as I know it,

is to look a bloke in the eye, look your sister or you mum in the eyes, and tell them the truth and

be happy to get some truth back,’’ Langer said when asked what ‘‘elite honesty’’ meant.

‘‘That’s elite honesty. And you need to be honest with yourself because if you’re not you’re kidding yourself.’’

Well, after his side were torpedoed for 152 by the Proteas and fell to a six-wicket loss, their next honesty session can only be brutal, for horrid shot selection was as much to do with their downfall as was the Proteas’ superb bowling.

As had been the case in many of their recent defeats – Australia had lost 16 of their past 18 matches heading into this clash – a malfunctioning batting lineup created concerns ahead of next year’s World Cup defence.

In reply, the Proteas coasted to victory inside 30 overs, with Australia’s fast-bowling big three – Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitch Starc – unable to conjure an unlikely win.

Allrounder Marcus Stoinis, having failed with the bat, claimed three wickets but strong performances from Proteas’ openers Quinton de Kock (47 off 40 balls) and Reeza Hendricks (44 off 74) ensured there would be no collapse.

Hazlewood and Cummins missed winter tours and the recent series against Pakistan because of injury, and will hope to regain their groove when the three-match series shifts to Adelaide on Friday.

The tourists chose to bowl first on a deck boasting a green tinge and plenty of life but it was far from a death trap despite Australia slumping to 8-3 after 5.5 overs, due to the diligent line and length, and canny tactics, of veteran fast bowler Dale Steyn, named man of the match, and youngster Lungi Ngidi.