S Africa crush Australia by 492 runs in 4th test, win series 3-1

Speed Post News Network

Patna : South Africa crushed Australia by 492 runs in the fourth and final test at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 3, 2018, wrapping up the 4-match test series 3-1.

Chasing a massive target of 612 runs to win the 4th test, Australia were all out for 119 in 46.4 overs in the first session of the day itself due to an extraordinary spell of bowling by seam and swing bowler Vernon Philander, who took 6/21 in 13 overs. Fast bowler Morne Morkel took 2/28 while spinner Keshav Maharaj took 1/47. Philander, who took 9 wickets in the Johannesburg test, has taken 50 plus wickets against Australia in 14 tests. Opener Aiden Markram and Captain Faf du Plessis scored centuries for South Africa in the test.

Opener Joe Burns was the top scorer for Australia in the second innings making 42 runs while Peter Handscomb made 24. Captain and wicketkeeper Tim Paine made 7. Nathan Lyon was run out for 9 while Josh Hazlewood remained not out on 9.

South Africa had scored 488 in their first innings and 344/6 in the second innings. Australia scored 221 in their first innings and 119 in their second innings. What was pathetic about Australia’s batting on the final day was that they lost their last seven wickets for just 31 runs. They had resumed at their overnight score of 88/3 on April 3 but were soon 100/9. Nathan Lyon and Hazlewood took the score to 119 in a 19 run partnership for the 10th wicket.