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ToggleThe host South Africa crushed the Australian team to win the third Test by 492 runs at Johannesburg. Meanwhile, this is their first series win against the Aussies since their readmission.
However, Australia failed to recover from their off-field controversies to put up a strong performance. The new opening duo couldn’t replicate the performance of David Warner and Cameron Bancroft as the visitors failed to get off to a good start.
They also received a last-minute blow as Mitchell Starc suffered an injury to get out of the first XI. Further, Australia failed as a unit despite Tim Paine’s desperate efforts.
On the other hand, South Africa put up a brilliant effort and dominated the game. There were a number of notable performers for the Proteas. While Aiden Markram and Faf du Plessis dominated the batting, Vernon Philander did the job with the ball.

However, it was Philander’s magical figure of 6 for 21 that bowled Australia for a mere 119.
The tall and lanky Morne Morkel who announced his retirement after this series also backed Philander claiming two wickets.
However, it will be a sad story for Australia coach Darren Lehmann, who finishes on a losing note. Lehmann announced his retirement in the wake of the ball tampering scandal.
Here is how the Twitter reacted:
200 Test wickets for the mighty Vernon Philander, and at a better average than Donald, Hadlee, Steyn, Wasim, Waqar, and Holding. What a player. #SAvAUS
— Tom Eaton (@TomEatonSA) April 3, 2018
One of the great guys leaves Test Cricket Today … @mornemorkel65 … Well done and good luck with wherever you end up playing … #SAvAUS
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 3, 2018
Lyon likes ending careers. He can get out and formally end Morkel’s #SAvAUS
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) April 3, 2018
Am I the only one who thinks India were much better in SA and in much more difficult conditions? #SAvAUS #SSCricket #Radio2000 #MorneFarewll
— Tim Dale Lace (@Tim32_cricket) April 3, 2018
Vernon Philander's morning spell: 8-3-12-6. All but finished Australia off. #SAvAUS
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) April 3, 2018
Aggg Vernon Philander is here cutting our enjoyment in short. What does he expect us to do/watch after midday? #SAvAUS
— Thapelo Speaks ?? (@McBills89) April 3, 2018
Is Denzel Washi the toughest bowler to get away in test cricket today? A mind blowing spell of 6-3-3-6 leaves Australia reeling. Post #SandpaperGate, Aus have mentally disintegrated & fallen like a pack of cards. Scores of 107, 221, 111-9. Remarkable test Cricket. #SAvAUS
— Agent Vikram (@SriniMaama16) April 3, 2018
England beat SA in SA.
Australia loses to SA in SA.Yet, Australia pummel England in The Ashes.
The weird and wonderul results in sport. #Sport is the greatest entertainment!
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) April 3, 2018
#SAvAUS
Journalist: ‘What happened in this morning session?’
Australia: pic.twitter.com/qDi8gfgs0D— Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) April 3, 2018
It ends with a run out. SAfrica beat Aust in a home series for the first time since 1970, and the first time ever since readmission. The margin of 492 runs is the second heaviest ever defeat for an Aust team #SAvAUS
— Daniel Brettig ? (@danbrettig) April 3, 2018
Scenes! South Africa beat Australia in a home series for the first time since readmission. And it ends with a run-out. What a summer!! #SAvAUS
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) April 3, 2018
Dear people asking "What has happened to our cricket?"
Let me tell you.
We beat the #1 team 2-1, then beat the #3 team 3-1, finishing with the 4th greatest whipping (by runs) in Test history, and Australia's worst beating since 1928.
CELEBRATE!#SAvAUS https://t.co/oUtWc3o6Sa— Tom Eaton (@TomEatonSA) April 3, 2018
Australia’s innings ends in a run out. Fitting. What a shambles they’ve been since Durban. SA win the series 3-1. Goodbye and thank you, Morne Morkel. #SAvAUS
— Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) April 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/its__aayan/status/981100236423729152
This teat hasn’t been a complete waste of time for the Aussies. They have got to watch Vernon Philander live. #SAvAUS
— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) April 3, 2018
Further, here is the newsfeed:
Under new leader, KKR aim to emulate Gambhir-era success
Virender Sehwag congratulates former teammate MS Dhoni on receiving Padma Bhushan