South Africa vs Australia, 4th Test, Day 5, Review: Philander humiliates Australia to seal series for Proteas

Team South Africa completed yet another comprehensive win at home. They beat the touring Australian side in the final Test of the four-match series to seal the series 3-1. Australia were never really in this game though. Trailing 1-2 as they entered the final Test at Wanderers, things were grim for them right from the onset. They had lost three key players in Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft owing to their infamous act in the previous game.

With rookies stepping in for them, and that too against a full strength South African unit, things were always an uphill task for them. As the game progressed, the obvious only perspired. On the final day, Australia resumed their overnight score of 88/3 with Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh resuming the proceedings. Chasing 612 was a daunting task and was never in the scheme of things.

However, the Aussie fans hoped for some resilience from their side. Little did they know, they would be up against a certain Vernon Philander who would wreak havoc on the day. Philander made a mockery of the Australian batting as the Aussies lost 6 wickets in the space of 12 runs. From 88/3, they slumped to 100/9.

Eventually, Australia were bundled out for 119 in just 46.4 overs. Philander finished with figures of 6/21 to be the wrecker-in-chief. The hosts registered a comprehensive 492 runs win. This is Australia’s second biggest loss in Tests in terms of runs. Also, South Africa won the series 3-1 – their first against Australia since readmission in 1991-92.

Earlier in the game, South Africa had posted 488 runs in their first innings. It was a marathon knock of 152 from Aiden Markram that propelled them to such a high total. Temba Bavuma was unfortunate to be left stranded on 95. Australia, in response, looked in absolute shatters. They bundled out for 221 with skipper Tim Paine top scoring with 62. South Africa had a handy lead in the first innings.

Despite that, they batted for a long duration on the penultimate day that raised quite a lot of eyebrows. Many believed that the Proteas missed the trick by not making an early declaration. The hosts piled up 344/6 before declaring the innings. It was skipper Faf du Plessis who top scored in the second innings for them with 120 to his name. Dean Elgar also showed great resistance for his 250-ball 81. They set a target of 612 for the visitors to win.

And as things panned up, the Aussies were found wanting against the guile and precision of Vernon Philander on the final day. Also, a special mention goes to Morne Morkel, who played his farewell Test. He was thoroughly impressive in the series. He was the Player of the Match in the previous game for his side. He certainly walks off as a modern day legend of the South African cricket.

Brief Scores:

South Africa 488/10 in 136.5 overs (Markram 152, Bavuma 95*, Cummins 5/83, Lyon 3/182)

Australia 221/10 in 70 overs (Paine 62, Khawaja 53, Philander 3/30, Rabada 3/53)

South Africa 344/6 decl. in 105 overs (Du Plessis 120, Elgar 81, Cummins 4/58, Lyon 2/116)

Australia 119/10 in 46.4 overs (Burns 42, Handscomb 24, Philander 6/21, Morkel 2/28)

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