With a resounding victory over the Proteas on Boxing Day in Melbourne, Australia increased their chances of competing in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final the following year and significantly diminished South Africa’s prospects.
As Australia bowled out South Africa for 204 in their second innings to inflict the visitors an agonising innings and 182 runs defeat in the second Test and end the three-match series 2-0 on Thursday, spinner Nathan Lyon collected 3-58 and replacement-pacer Scott Boland picked up 2-49. The victory comes after their humbling 6-wicket loss to the hosts in the first Test at Brisbane inside two days. Beginning on January 4, the third and final Test will be held in Sydney.
With a resounding victory over the Proteas on Boxing Day in Melbourne, Australia increased their chances of competing in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final the following year and significantly diminished South Africa’s prospects.
Midway through the fourth day of the Test, Pat Cummins’ team sealed the victory by an innings and 182 runs, with veteran spinner Lyon (3-58) and seamer Boland (2-49) doing the brunt of the damage to finish the MCG carnage.
With the victory, Australia extends their lead at the top of the World Test Championship standings and opens up an unstoppable 2-0 series advantage against the Proteas.
Temba Bavuma (65) and Kyle Verreynne (33) provided some momentary resistance during a 63-run partnership for the fifth wicket when South Africa began play on the fourth day at 15/1 and needed a miracle to try and get back into the Test.
Boland, though, ended the alliance when he captured Verreynne LBW, and Lyon later wrapped up the tail to ensure Australia easily won the match and another series at home.
With five Tests remaining this time (one against South Africa in Sydney and four in India throughout February and March), Australia is well positioned for a debut participation at the World Test Championship final at The Oval next year.
South Africa’s prospects of winning one of the top two slots in the World Test Championship decider are significantly hampered as a result of its second straight subpar performance on Australian soil.
The Proteas travelled to Australia in second position and with great hopes, but after two defeats, Dean Elgar’s team is now fourth on the most recent rankings.
After the Proteas’ performance in Melbourne, Sri Lanka (53.33%) moves up to third place and in front of India (58.93%) in the rankings. South Africa (50%) remains in second place.
After suffering a humiliating loss in the first Test inside two days at the Gabba, South Africa acquiesced completely at the MCG. That victory was attributed to a “below-average” surface in Brisbane, but given that they barely reached 200 runs in their second innings at the MCG, it may be difficult to explain their performance there.
