6 instances over the last decade when more than 20 wickets fell in a single day of a Test

Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 2nd Test, 2006
Sri Lankan cricketers celebrate one of the wickets

#6 South Africa vs Australia, Cape Town, 2011

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Vernon Philander
Vernon Philander stole the show in his debut match
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Two days and quite a bit, this was all it took for the first match of the series between South Africa and Australia get over, and it was a nail-biting affair all through.

As many as 23 wickets fell on the second day a figure which propped up for only the third time in Test history. Michael Clarke, the newly appointed Australia skipper played a brilliant innings in the first essay and compiled a dazzling 151 runs. Australia ended the day at 214/8, which was a substantial effort considering the damp conditions and the potent South African bowling attack.

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However, Day 2 was a historical one in many sense. Australia were bowled out for 284 runs. In reply, South Africa were bundled out for a measly 96 runs. Shane Watson wreaked havoc with the ball as he picked up 5 wickets for just 17 runs in 5 overs. He was ably supported by Ryan Harris who chipped in with 4 wickets.

The match seemed well out of the reach of the hosts as they fell behind by 188 runs, but what followed left everyone in a state of shock. Vernon Philander, who was making his debut struck form and picked up 5 wickets for just 15 runs. He was supported by Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel and the trio skidded out the Australians for 47 runs, which is their worst score since 1902. At one stage they were at 21 runs for 9 wickets!

Things had transformed so quickly for the hosts, but they were still to chase down a formidable target of 236 runs. They ended the frenetic day at 81/1. Assured centuries from Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith on day 3 saw the hosts home by 8 wickets, without any late hassle!

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