Australia defeated South Africa by an innings and 182 runs in the second test played at the MCG. Australia now has an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-test match series. This is the first time Australia has beaten the Proteas in their backyard in 17 years. Australia will play the 3rd match of the series in Sydney on January 03, 2023.
Australia was in a dominant position in the boxing day test from the word go. They restricted the Proteas to a meager 189 after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen with their half centuries were the top scores for the South Africans. In bowling, Green picked up his maiden 5-wicket haul after Starc injured his finger on the first day.
Australia in reply lost their opener Usman Khwaja for just 1. However, it was the David Warner show after that. The southpaw went on to hit a milestone-achieving double century in his 100th test. He got able support from Smith (85), Green (51), Head (51) and Carey (111). Australia declared their 1st innings on 575 for the loss of 8 wickets.
The South Africans in their second innings were no better. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and ended up with 204, handing them an innings and 182 runs defeat. Only 5 Proteas batters could breach the double-digit score. Bavuma with 65 was their highest scorer in the 2nd innings. For Australia, Lyon picked up 3 wickets and Bolland picked up 2. The rest of the opposition wickets were snaffled by Starc, Smith and Cummins. There were 2 runouts as well.
With this win, Australia has almost qualified for a top finish at the WTC points table 2021-23. The South Africans on the other hand must pull out some magic tricks in their remaining games to set a final date with the Aussies in England.
Australia will be without their 2 impact players in the 3rd test in Sydney – Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green. They both sustained finger injuries during the boxing day test. However, there is no doubt that the Aussies will be pushing for a series whitewash against the Proteas.
