South African spinner Imran Tahir went from bad to worse; all-time worst, in fact.

Tahir has recorded the worst bowling figures in a Test match.

The legspinner’s match figures of 0-260 against Australia in the second Test in Adelaide surpassed the previous worst ever by Pakistan’s Khan Mohammad.

Khan posted figures of 0-259 against the West Indies in 1958 – all from one innings.

Tahir’s figures came from two innings in Adelaide – after 0-180 in Australia’s first innings, he recorded 0-80 in the second dig completed on Sunday.

Adding to his insult, the Pakistan-born tweaker thought he had escaped the inglorious record by taking a wicket on Saturday when Australia opener Ed Cowan was caught at cover from his bowling.

Tahir jubilantly raised his arms and cupped an ear to an Adelaide crowd which had been taunting him for days.

But a video review revealed a no-ball, Imran’s heel landing on, instead of partially behind, the bowling crease.

The punishment continued on Sunday.

When brought on to bowl after lunch, the crowd cheered like Tahir was an Australian. And given the help he has given the hosts this Test, he may as well be.

Tahir again went wicketless and finished his nightmare with an average of 7.02 runs being scored from his 37 overs in the game. He managed just one lonely maiden.

Tahir’s woes have drawn sympathy from his teammates, with paceman Morne Morkel admitting to feeling sorry for the spinner.

Richie Benaud, former leg-spinner turned commentary doyen, was blunt in his assessment: “You have got a guy there … who can’t bowl.”

And Australian Nathan Lyon also felt for his spinning comrade, albeit only fleetingly.

“Everyone has their nightmare,” Lyon said on Saturday. “The way you come out of it is the big proving point.

“But to be honest, I’m not really fazed by what Imran Tahir does.”

Neither were Australia’s batsmen.