It's South Africa after India crushing Australians

Photos

Australia vs South Africa-Photo-01

see larger image

uploaded by hiteshb

Graeme Smith's cool 75 set up South Africa's first series win in Australia as they eased to a nine-wicket victory that destroyed the hosts' world-beating reputation. Rain was the home side's only chance on the fifth day and while there was some in the morning, play began on time, Smith quickly attacked the wilting bowling attack, and the success was sealed after lunch when Hashim Amla flicked Michael Clarke for two behind square leg

While the visitors celebrated a superb 2-0 advantage following stunning comebacks in Perth and Melbourne, Ricky Ponting's players were glum after giving up their fortress. Australia's last series defeat at home was in 1992-93 and if they succumb again in Sydney from Saturday it will be Smith's team that is officially No. 1. While Ponting's men cling to the top rating, the best they can hope for in the unofficial rankings is third following their performances over the past three months.

Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 247 in their second innings before close of play, giving South Africa a 183-run target to clinch the series.

In reply, South Africa got off to a perfect start as Graeme Smith sped up the chase with an unbeaten 25 off just 19 balls. The visitors reached 30-0 at stumps, needing only 153 more to claim their biggest series win.

Brett Lee, bowling with an injury, would have tasted success had he not overstepped when he cleaned up Niel McKenzie. The incident perhaps rounded off what have been two horrid days for the Australians.

On the penultimate day, the home side crumbled at the MCG, with only Ricky Ponting putting up a fight to the resurgent Proteas. The Aussie skipper followed up his first innings ton with a gritty 99 when the rest of his fellow batsmen buckled under pressure.

With Source from Cricinfo & CricNext.com