For the first time since 1988, Australia has lost the opening Test of the home summer.

From a perilous position on day two, South Africa fought back superbly to win by 177 runs at the WACA – even with star-bowler Dale Steyn missing for the majority of the game.

The fallout was swift, and as usual, there’s no shortage of ex-players and commentators wanting to play the blame game.

Many theories or thoughts on Australia’s failure are popular: was the switch from the traditional venue of the summer opener in the ‘Gabba to blame?

Is it Mitchell Marsh’s poor form with the bat? Peter Siddle’s drop in pace? Our disturbing middle-order collapses?

Or is it Australia’s obsession with sledging?

After South Africa took 10-86 to bowl Australia out for 244, they still trailed by two runs, even if they had the momentum.

It was batsmen Dean Elgar (127) and JP Duminy (141) who took the game away from Australia, though, the pair adding 250 runs in a partnership that spanned more than 74 overs and broke the back of the hosts.

Elgar particularly frustrated Australia, facing 316 balls and spending more than 470 minutes at the crease in a stoic display of batting that ultimately set up South Africa’s victory.

Elgar goes big. Photo: Getty

And he said afterwards that the motivation for his innings came from the Australians themselves, and their sledging.

“I don’t even think a ball was bowled and the guys were having a go, trust me,” Elgar, who made a pair on Test debut at the WACA in 2012, told the ABC.

“I think Davey [Warner] and Gary [Nathan] Lyon were having a full go, and just reminding me a little bit about it [my debut].

“But actually it motivated me a lot more. It made me think about the bigger picture, which was obviously our team and putting us in a great position.

“Our second innings obviously proved a lot better than our first.

“[It was great] just to put a few demons to bed, especially at this ground.”

Elgar added that the vocal Australians brought the best out of his game.

Australia’s approach backfired. Photo: Getty

“That [fighting style of cricket] is definitely my personality,” he said.

“I think on the field you have got to be able to switch on, you have got to be able to bring your game, especially against ruthless opposition like the Aussie bowlers.

“You give them a sniff and they can end your day. It’s something that’s a good characteristic to have.”

Not so friendly rivals

Australia’s 2014 series win in South Africa was marred by excessive sledging with Proteas star AB de Villiers saying afterwards it was the worst he had ever experienced.

Faf du Plessis, who is filling in for the injured de Villiers as captain, said Australia carried on like a “pack of wild dogs” during the series – and the Aussies barked at him after he was dismissed in Cape Town.

A tamer series was expected on this occasion, with both Clarke and Brad Haddin – who are now retired – calling on Australia to adopt an approach less focused on sledging.

That was despite Nathan Lyon saying the Aussies would not change their game against South Africa.

Lyon endured a frustrating Test. Photo: Getty

“We’re going to play the Australian way. We’re going to compete hard,” he said last week, as quoted by Fairfax.

“We know where the line is. We headset it, but we don’t go over it.”

Even if the Australians didn’t cross the line in their approach towards Elgar, they certainly inspired him.

A quieter approach is expected in Hobart’s second Test – which begins next week – given Australia’s Perth failings.