Hobart: Kyle Abbott (6/77) and Kagiso Rabada (4/34) bowled devastating spells Tuesday morning as South Africa demolished Australia by an innings and 80 runs after yet another batting collapse to claim their third successive Test series Down Under here.
The Proteas bowled out the home side for 161 before lunch on the fourth day, taking their last eight wickets for 32 in 116 balls after routing Australia for 85 in the first innings.
The latest overpowering victory followed a 177-run win against Steve Smith’s shattered team in the first Perth Test, with South Africa emulating the intimidating West Indies teams of the 1980-1990s with three straight series wins in Australia.
“Australians are a tough team and to get a win against them on their home soil is great,” said South African captain Faf du Plessis. “So to come here and do it, is special for us. To win a series 2-0 with one game to play, I am very proud of the way my team are moving forward.”
The second innings destruction heaped more pressure on Smith and Darren Lehmann and increased calls for significant team changes for the final day-night Test against the tourists in Adelaide next week.
Once Usman Khawaja (64, 121b, 9×4) was out just 20 minutes into the fourth day, the wickets continued to tumble. Khawaja was twice beaten by Abbott’s movement off the pitch before he went for a cut on the last ball of the over and nicked it to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.
Brief scores
Australia 85 and 161 (Usman Khawaja 64, Kyle Abbott 6/77, Kagiso Rabada 4/34) lost to South Africa 326; by an innings and 80 runs.
AFP
