If Katich’s words sound strong for a side leading 1-0 in the series, South Africa’s collapse was the latest example of an Australian batting match matched only by its inconsistency.
They scored 132 in their first Test last winter, followed by 511 in Brisbane the following year.
They scored 567 at the end of the Ashes but were bowled out for 198 by Bangladesh in the next Test.
Even Matt Renshaw’s top score of 190 in the first Test in Durban was matched by no other Australian reaching 50.
And after another setback, Marnus Labuschagne seems most at risk. He will not get another chance to fight for his place before Cape Town hosts the third Test from October 27.
After reaching the third slip limit for 14 off Anrich Nortje in the morning, he gave away spinner Simon Harmer to long-on after 39 teas – his third dismissal in the series’ thirties.
It got worse when he survived an lbw decision to review just three balls ago.
Once the world’s leading batsman, the 32-year-old is now on 47 innings as he has made his Test century.
“Only he knows what was going through his mind when he tried to bring down Harmer when Australia were trying to play for a draw,” Katich said.
“How will the Australian electorate feel about this sacking?”
“He’s been given a lot of rope over the last few years, and a lot of people haven’t, but he has.”