Australia had a shocking fielding display in their 2023 World Cup fixture against South Africa at Lucknow on October 12, They dropped multiple catches, and drew a lot of flak for their lacklustre fielding.

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Australia made two changes for this match, bringing in Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis for Cam Green and Alex Carey. Given their successful World Cup history, Australia were expected to leave no loose ends after a six-wicket defeat against India in the opening match. However, their fielding effort was far from their clinical best.

South Africa’s total of 311-7 was powered by a century from Quinton de Kock. Australia dropped as many as seven catches, letting go of some crucial chances despite managing to crawl back into the game at later stages.

Journalist Andrew Wu did not mince his words while criticising the horrendous show in the field: “I can’t recall too many worse displays in the field by Australia than this. If fielding is a gauge of morale and energy in the team, then there should be alarm bells.”

I can’t recall too many worse displays in the field by Australia than this. If fielding is a gauge of morale and energy in the team, then there should be alarm bells. #CWC2023 #AUSvSA

— Andrew Wu (@wutube) October 12, 2023

Commentator Glenn Mitchell also voiced out his frustration on Australia’s off day in the field: “This has been a woeful performance by AUS in the field … numerous dropped chances and ground fielding errors … a very lacklustre showing.”

Journalist Melinda Farrell thought the team looked tired. “Trying to remember the last time Australia made this many mistakes in the field. They look like they’re at the end of a long campaign rather than a team in their second match of a WC.”

One X (formerly Twitter) user saw the funny side of it, linking the missed catches with a “Simpsons” meme.

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