A new-look Australian team made the best possible start as they defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the final Test at Adelaide to salvage some pride after losing the first two matches. With the threat of a humiliating whitewash looming large, Steven Smith’s men produced one of their finest all-round displays in recent times to win the Test.
Chasing 127, Australian openers David Warner and Matt Renshaw ended any hope of seeing an interesting match by adding 64 runs. First innings centurion Usman Khawaja’s dismissal two balls later gave the Proteas some hope. However, it was quashed by another partnership of over 50 runs between Renshaw and Steven Smith. The Aussies eventually reached the target with seven wickets to spare.
Earlier, Steven Cook waged a lone battle as his 104-run knock gave the visitors some runs to defend but it was never going to be enough to inflict a whitewash on the hosts and the Australian batsmen made it sure with an impressive display.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the match:
Well done lads. Enjoyable Test to watch. Straight to the Woolshed on Hindley St. #AusvsSA
— Ryan Fitzgerald (@FitzySA) November 27, 2016
After making 5 consecutive 50+ scores, de Kock made only 24 & 5 in this Test. #AusvsSA
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) November 27, 2016
Steve Smith 59
Peter Handscomb 54
Usman Khawaja 138*Rising Pune Supergiants have rescued Australia. ?#AUSvsSA
— Arjun Ashok (@arj_90) November 25, 2016
Well done Australia, good fight back to get a win after so many losses. 3rd Test series win in a row for the Proteas though. #AUSvsSA
— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) November 27, 2016
#AusVsSA pic.twitter.com/BZiHae7jXI
— Junia (@mjstainbank) November 27, 2016
Matt Renshaw must have played & missed at least 20 times in this inns. So lucky to still be there.#AUSvsSA
— Arjun Ashok (@arj_90) November 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/rahulbajaj/status/802797791227432961
Du Plessis may regret the 1st innings dec. Small 4th innings chase could've been made more uncomfortable with a few more runs #AusvsSa
— Jacob McArthur (@jlmcarthur4) November 27, 2016
A painstaking 235-ball Hundred for Stephen Cook. Not pretty but extremely effective, at least in this inns. Well played! ?? #AUSvsSA
— Arjun Ashok (@arj_90) November 27, 2016
Finally a Test match Victory for Australia and not often you say that to Australian Cricket. Victory came on Phil Hughes death anniversary..
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) November 27, 2016
Finally a Test match Victory for Australia and not often you say that to Australian Cricket. Victory came on Phil Hughes death anniversary..
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) November 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/Iamsubha27/status/802778585538953216