‘IND vs AUS final loading’ – Fans celebrate as Australia dismantles South Africa to take an unassailable lead in three-match Test series

Australia and South Africa locked horns in the second Test match of the three-match series in Melbourne. The game was touted as the Late Shane Warne special as he died on March 4 last year. Not to forget, the Melbourne Cricket Ground was his home ground. Meanwhile, the Aussies headed into the game with a lead of 1-0. On the other hand, the Proteas needed to win to keep the series alive.

In the game, the home side won the toss and elected to bowl first. Their decision proved right as they took five wickets for just 67 runs. At this stage, the likes of Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen stitched a partnership of 112 runs and brought some semblance to the innings. Also, both players scored fifty each. However, as soon as their partnership was broken, the Dean Elgar-led side was bowled out on 189.

They lost their last five wickets for just 10 runs. For the Pat Cummins-led side, Indian T20 League 2023 millionaire, Cameron Green took a five-wicket haul. In reply, the Aussies had a decent start even though they lost two wickets for 74 runs. At this stage, the former skippers, Steve Smith, and David Warner stitched a partnership of 239 runs to throw the opposition out of the game. The latter scored a double ton.

On the other hand, Smith scored 85 while Alex Carey brought up his maiden Test hundred. Green, who got injured on Day Two, came back to bat the next day and scored a fifty. In the end, the World Number Test side amassed 575/8 before declaring the innings. They led by 375 runs at this stage.

Australia beat South Africa by an innings to lead the series 2-0

The visitors’ batting woes continued in the second innings as well. Apart from Temba Bavuma (65), no other batter scored a fifty. They were bowled out for 204, losing the game by an innings and 182 runs. Fitting, Steve Smith, who bowls part-time leg-spin, finished the game as he took the wicket of Lungi Ngidi.

This is how Twitter reacted

Surrender from South Africa, no will to fight.

What a shame.pic.twitter.com/D8TSlMMWoY#AUSvsSA

— Saikat Ghosh (@Ghosh_Analysis) December 29, 2022

Since April 2017, South Africa has not been involved in any DRAWN matches spanning 46 Tests.
The last time the team was involved in a drawn Test was at Hamilton in March 2017. This Test, too, should have had a result, but the 5th day's play was washed out!#AUSvSA#AUSvsSA

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 29, 2022

https://twitter.com/K945Abhas/status/1608320872099774464?s=20&t=loJWVmXq3qq2eXiXxaLmgA

Morne Morkel made a strong point in commentary today. Said that if you ask any Proteas batter what they have to do better, they'd all give you the right answers. He then said the difference between average batters and elite ones is the ability to execute those answers. #AUSvsSA

— Ryan Vrede (@Ryan_Vrede) December 27, 2022

https://twitter.com/imRohit_SN/status/1607219006351765506?s=20&t=7AnG0vON-LbMqHhbYe8Fdg

https://twitter.com/SarahShah_85/status/1608320433157468160?s=20&t=7AnG0vON-LbMqHhbYe8Fdg

https://twitter.com/asmylemalhotra1/status/1608320403784749056?s=20&t=7AnG0vON-LbMqHhbYe8Fdg

https://twitter.com/waadaplaya/status/1608319873234636802?s=20&t=7AnG0vON-LbMqHhbYe8Fdg

South Africa last 5 test Series against Australia in Australia:-

• Lost in 2022*
• Won in 2016
• Won in 2012
• Won in 2008
• Lost in 2005

SA lost a Test series in Australia after 17 Years!#AUSvSA #AUSvRSA #AUSvsSApic.twitter.com/Akeyp3PJMK

— CricketFans (@_fans_cricket) December 29, 2022

There needs to be a way for India to tour Australia for a test series every couple of seasons. That way test cricket in Australia can actually see a contest. Because it's sure not a contest when the other nations come to Australia #AUSvsSA

— Clint Stevens (@clintstevens123) December 29, 2022