Victory was almost certain for South Africa as they began day five requiring six Australian wickets to win the first Test in Perth on Monday. The Proteas won the match by 177 runs, but victory was a hard earned one given the fact that the Australian lower order put up a fight.
Mitchell Marsh was the first casualty of the morning with Kagiso Rabada trapping him leg-before-wicket. However, Usman Khawaja continued to take the fight to South Africa and eventually was out on 97, with Jean-Paul Duminy bagging the prized wicket, leaving Australia struggling at 246/6. Peter Siddle also had a short stay at the crease, falling on 13.
With three wickets remaining, South Africa could sense victory. However, Peter Nevill and Josh Hazlewood put up a resilient show for the eight wicket, notching up 65 runs between the pair. However, Hazlewood eventually fell for 29, making it 345/9. Nathan Lyon, the last wicket, was out for eight thanks to a Keshav Maharaj delivery, as Australia were bowled out for 361.
However, Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for his 5/92 and won the man-of-the-match award. Australia will have to regroup as they head into the second Test match in Hobart on November 12.
Brief scores:
South Africa 242 & 540/8 decl. beat Australia 244 & 361 (Usman Khawaja 97, Peter Nevill 60 not out; Kagiso Rabada 5/92) by 177 runs.
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