Dale Steyn inspired South Africa to a 231-run victory over arch-rivals Australia late on day four of the second Test on Sunday in Port Elizabeth.
With rain looming large for Monday, Dale Steyn produced one of his trademark reverse swing masterclass by claiming four wickets, including a massive wicket of Australia skipper Michael Clarke, as the visitors lost last nine wickets for 88 runs having started the run-chase in ominous fashion at 126 for no loss chasing a world-record 448 for win.
For Australia only Chris Rogers (107), his third century in last four Test, and his fellow opener David Warner (66) showed the determination to hang around, as the pair racked up more than a hundred run partnership, but as soon as Warner was out LBW to JP Duminy; for the rest it was a procession as none of the other batsmen reached even two figure score.
After JP Duminy had removed Warner, it was the turn of Alex Doolan (five) to follow his colleague to the dressing room, as he edged a Morne Morkel delivery to skipper Graeme Smith at first slip for an easy catch. Shaun Marsh, who was the centurion from the last Test, inexplicably picked up a pair in this match and to make matters worse he now has six ducks in his last 11 Test innings. He was lbw to an in swinging ball from Vernon Philander.
Australia were struggling at 3/153 and out came Michael Clarke with a mission to bat Australia out of dire straits. But, then began the Steyn assault as world’s best fast bowler, in a match changing over, picked up Clarke (one) and Steve Smith on successive balls to leave Australia at 5/153. Clarke was brilliantly caught by Faf du Plessis, while Smith was trapped LBW by a perfect Steyn reverse swing delivery.
Smith’s wicket showed evidence of reverse swing, but Brad Haddin, who may not have paid attention to what had gone before him, as Steyn rattled his middle stump, as Brad Haddin (one) was bowled for the second time in this match.
Mitchell Johnson was then trapped LBW by Philnader as Australia 7/197. Johnson’s wicket was fourth LBW of the innings.
Ryan Harris (six) was also out in the shame fashion as Johnson just before the end of play. But, Just when it looked Australia might take this Test match into fifth and final day where there was 90% chance of thunderstorms, the vital moment arrived, with just seven minutes left in the day’s play, Rogers run himself out trying to take a quick single as the substitute fielder Alviro Petersen broke the stumps down.
The final wicket was taken by Dean Elgar, as Nathan Lyon (zero) was adjudged LBW and although replays showed that he had hit the ball, Australia unfortunately had used up all their reviews.
Earlier in the day, South Africa declared their second innings on 5/270 as Hashim Amla pilled on 127 not out, his 21st Test century to move joint third with Gary Kirsten on South Africa’s all-time list of players with most centuries. Amla is only behind Graeme Smith (27) and Jacques Kallis (45).
The South African win now leaves the three-match series on tenterhooks at 1-1 with the third and last Test beginning on Saturday in Cape Town.
