South African paceman Vernon Philander couldn't get out of bed for the second Test against Australia - his teammate Imran Tahir should have stayed in bed.

While Philander was a pre-game withdrawal with a back injury, Tahir turned in one of the worst bowling performances in Test history.

That's not being judgmental, it's statistical.

Tahir finished Australia's first innings at Adelaide Oval with 0-180 from 23 overs - the ninth worst figures in Test history.

Tahir conceded an average of 7.82 runs an over - the fourth most expensive runs per over average in Test history for a bowler who delivered at least 10 overs.

The Pakistan-born spinner couldn't manage a maiden over in a walloping that drew sympathy from his teammates.

"I feel so sorry for Imran," fast bowler Morne Morkel told reporters after Friday's play.

"He has worked so hard and I think really his big haul is around the corner.

"Luckily in cricket, as we all know, I have been in the boat so many times, there is a second innings as well.

"And the wicket is turning quite nicely and there is a bit of grip now, so I really back Imran to pull out a special performance.

"He's a confident guy, the whole team is behind him."