Another game, another run out for Ben McDermott.
McDermott on Wednesday was run out for the fourth straight time, falling for two as Cricket Australia XI were thumped by 41 runs by the Proteas in their T20 tour clash in Brisbane.
In reply to the Proteas' 5-201, CA XI never recovered from captain McDermott's early loss and were restricted to 7-160 at Allan Border Field.
The big hitting McDermott loomed as the key in CA XI's chase but the 23-year-old only lasted four balls before finding a way to be run out again.
Max Bryant's powerful drive flicked fast bowler Lungi Ngidi's fingers before hitting the stumps on the non-striker's end, catching the unlucky CA XI skipper short.
McDermott - son of former Test quick Craig - was run out in all three innings in Australia's recent T20 series against Pakistan in UAE.
It was not a good look for McDermott, who had hoped to impress on Wednesday as one of only three CA XI players who also feature in Australia's T20 squad.
McDermott and CA XI teammates Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye were included in Australia's T20 squad for not only Saturday's Gold Coast clash but also a three-match series against India starting on November 21.
Only Behrendorff impressed on Wednesday with 1-25 - claiming stand-in Proteas skipper Quinton de Kock for 16 - while Tye (0-55 off four overs) was shown no mercy.
Asked if the unlucky McDermott had walked under any ladders after his latest run out, Behrendorff said: "He must have.
"It (run outs) is one of those things that are frustrating and disappointing.
"But come Saturday if he is playing (for Australia against South Africa on the Gold Coast) that will be the least of his worries."
CA XI never recovered from McDermott's dismissal despite Alex Ross (40 off 35 balls) and teenager Bryant (36 off 22) showing fight.
Lanky South African quick Chris Morris impressed with 2-35.
Coming off their 2-1 one-day series win, South Africa flexed their muscle despite resting captain Faf du Plessis and David Miller - who both scored centuries in Sunday's ODI win in Hobart - plus veteran quick Dale Steyn.
Aiden Markram (45) and Heinrich Klaasen (41) top scored for the Proteas.
Australian Associated Press
