The Australian Cricket Team has been defeated by South Africa in the second match of the ongoing 3-match test series. The hosts won by more than 200 runs.
When the 4th day started, the Kangaroos were under pressure and it was quite clear that winning the match would not be easy for them, but, they were expected to fight hard in the second innings at least. Sadly that didn’t happen and the match turned out to be one sided eventually.
However, to be fair to Australia, it was not their fault entirely. They were up against a lethal attack which was at its peak especially with the old ball yesterday.
The Proteas put on a fantastic display of reverse swing bowling and made sure that the visitors would not get even close to the target of 448 that Graeme Smith had set them.
Dale Steyn as usual was the man for them. He was not that impressive with the new ball, but, once it started reversing, he just bamboozled Australia’s middle order. He got 4 wickets and he got all of them with absolute beauties.
The ball that he bowled to Brad Haddin was simply unplayable. It swung in so late that the batsman had no chance to check his shot and handle it. His middle stump was rattled just like the first innings and he was on his way back.
Vernon Philander complemented Steyn quite beautifully. Although he was not looking as dangerous as the latter but, he also grabbed a few important wickets with his subtle variations and helped South Africa bowl the Aussies out before the end of the day’s play.
Now, the deciding match of the series will be played in Cape Town where Australia had struggled when they had last toured the Rainbow nation.