Australia Cricket team has won the second test in Melbourne with one game remaining after crushing South Africa by an innings and 182 runs on Thursday, December 29.
On the fourth day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia bowled out South Africa for 204 before lunch after resuming on 15-1.
While Khaya Zondo and Keshav Maharaj were unnecessarily run out, off-spinner Nathan Lyon claimed 3-58, including Temba Bavuma for 65.
Australia strengthened its lead over India at the top of the World Test Championship table after winning the first Test in just two days. South Africa, which started the series in second place, is currently in fourth.
Australia Cricket team celebrates after beating South Africa.
Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia, said his team is “arguably the best test team” he has ever played in after they won seven of their first 11 matches in 2022.
“In terms of captaining, I don’t feel like I have to do much at all,” he added. “Everyone looks after themselves. You just kind of make sure the buses are on time, which the team manager does.
“It’s just in a really sweet spot at the moment. We can just sit back and appreciate the place that we are in because it’s really special. We’re having a hell of a lot of fun as well doing it together with some of our best mates.”
Australia amassed a massive 575-8 declared in response to South Africa’s 189, including 200 from David Warner and 111 from Alex Carey, making their triumph at the MCG all but assured.
The fifth day of play never seemed feasible for the tourists, even though they averted an eighth consecutive total of less than 200.
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma was the only hitter to score more than 33 as Scott Boland grabbed 2-49 on his home field. While Cummins, who got rid of Elgar on the third night, allowed only 20 runs to come off of his 16 overs.
In the Shane Warne Test, part-time leg-spinner Steve Smith bowled Lungi Ngidi to secure victory.
Note that on January 3, the final Test in Sydney will begin.
