• Australia defeated South Africa in the 2nd Test by an innings and 182 runs.

  • David Warner was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant double century.

Twitter reactions: Australia steamroll South Africa in MCG Test by innings and 182 runs to clinch series
Australia win MCG Test (Image Source: @CricketAustralia)

Table of Contents

Australia registered their first home series win against South Africa since the 2005-06 summer after a dominating victory in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday. The result also derailed South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Now, the Proteas need to win the final match of the series to stay in contention for the WTC final.

The tourists were bowled out for 204 inside 69 overs in the second innings, with Temba Bavuma the only batter to reach a half-century. His 63-run stand for the fifth wicket with Kyle Verreynne was the only partnership that grew to over 50. Verreynne, with 33, was the second top-scorer for the visitors.

Nathan Lyon had a fruitful outing on Day 4 as he picked up three wickets for 58. Similarly, Scott Boland bagged a couple of scalps. Pat Cummins‘ insane effort of conceding only 20 runs in 16 overs and making good use of the DRS to get rid of Sarel Erwee and Marco Jansen was noticeable as well.

Earlier in the game, Australia declared their first innings on a massive 575/8 courtesy of David Warner’s stunning double century and Alex Carey‘s maiden ton in response to South Africa’s mere 189.

“It (the win) is right up there. We have had some great contests with South Africa. We hadn’t won against them at home in 20 years, I think, so pretty special. I thought how Warner and Smith batted in the heat was pretty gutsy. Starc and Green as well, put their injuries behind them and turned up. Davey was superb, you could see his energy from ball one, and to do it in his 100th Test is awesome. He (Carey) has really cemented his place in the Test side, and to get a hundred in a Boxing Day Test is special,” said Aussie skipper Cummins after the match.

Brief Score: Australia 575/8 dec (David Warner 200, Alex Carey 111, Steve Smith 85) beat South Africa 189 (Marco Jansen 59, Kyle Verreynne 52, Cameron Green 5/27) & 204 (Temba Bavuma 65; Nathan Lyon 3/58) by an innings and 182 runs.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Australia Twitter Reactions

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.