The Sydney Morning Herald condemned the capitulation as "horrible".
Out of a clear blue sky, lightning struck Newlands today, twice in the same place. It left the cricket world shocked. In fewer than four bewildering hours of a game barely recognisable as Test cricket, Australia bowled out South Africa for 96, then itself was bowled out in an hour-and-a-half for 47," Greg Baum wrote.
"Like an earthquake, there was no forewarning. Like religion, it could not be rationalised. The sun was in and out, the ball didn't swing alarmingly, the pitch was sporty, but hardly monstrous."
The Australian said the Aussies were "humbled for 47 on day of cricket carnage".
"Cricket has rarely seen an afternoon like this one.
"A total of 19 wickets fell inside three and half hours. Fans got to witness parts of all four innings on the day. It was only the second time that has happened.
"The players will probably disagree, but the wicket did not seem to be that difficult. There was some movement, some balls kept low, but there seemed no logical explanation for what happened."
The Daily Telegraph described it as an "embarrassing performance".
"In one of the most unbelievable contests witnessed in Test cricket since its birth in 1877, the tourists imploded beyond belief in its second innings, lasting just 17.5 overs after earlier rolling the Proteas for 96 in reply to Australia's first-innings 284," Peter Badel wrote.
"In an indictment on Australia's top order, No.11 batting bunny Nathan Lyon top scored with 14."
But the Telegraph have not written the Aussies off yet.
"Despite capitulating for 47, Australia are still in a position to win this Test, although their attack will need quick wickets tomorrow to have any hope of halting the home side."
