SA vs AUS 2018, 4th Test: Review – Vernon Philander Bowls Hosts to a 3-1 Series Win

South Africa registered a comprehensive victory against the Aussies in the final Test at the New Wanders Stadium in Johannesburg by 492 runs to seal the four-match series by a 3-1 margin.

Following the ball-tampering scandal in the 3^rd Test at Newlands, it was always going to be difficult for the Aussies to make a comeback after the loss in the series.

It was a brilliant 153 by South African opener Aiden Markram in the 1^st innings which propelled the hosts to a commendable score of 488.

Temba Bavuma missed a well-deserved century by a whisker after running short of partners. He eventually remained unbeaten on 95. Pat Cummins was the pick of the Australian bowler bagging five wickets for 83 runs.

SA vs AUS 2018, 4th Test: Review - Vernon Philander Bowls Hosts to a 3-1 Series Win 2 — JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 30: Aiden Markram of the Proteas out for 152 runs during day 1 of the 4th Sunfoil Test match between South Africa and Australia at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on March 30, 2018, in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Australia was in early trouble, as they lost half their side for just 96 runs. They were in tatters and needed something special to pull them out of the situation.

It was a 99-run partnership between skipper Tim Paine and Pat Cummins which got Australia near the 200-mark. They were eventually bowled out for just 221 runs giving the hosts a massive lead of 267 runs.

The hosts began brilliantly in the 2^nd essay as Aiden Markram struck some gorgeous shots to begin proceedings. After a 54-run partnership with Dean Elgar, Markram was dismissed on 36. Amla and De Villiers were dismissed early, but it was an exhibition of strokeplay by comeback man and skipper Faf du Plessis.

It was sheer dominance, to say the least, as he smashed the bowlers all around the park and struck 18 fours and a couple of maximums during his knock of 120 off 178 deliveries. Yet again, Bavuma chipped in with an unbeaten 35 of 40 deliveries which contained four fours.

South Africa eventually declared their innings of 344, setting Australia an improbable victory target. They were literally blown away in the 2^nd innings, as Vernon Philander bowled a sensational spell and dismissed six Australian batsmen.

All of the deliveries were close to unplayable, and he simply kept bowling in those areas.