Internet Desk: An inspiring spell of fast bowling from Kagiso Rabada helped South Africa clinch a memorable 177 runs win against hosts Australia in the first test at WACA. Man of the Match Rabada returned with a figure of 5/92 in the second innings. This was the first time that the Aussies lost the first test match of a series in 28 years. The last time an Australian side lost a first test match of a series at home was against West Indies in 1988.
Australia started Day 5 on 169/4, still requiring an improbable 370 runs for victory. It was Rabada who gave the first breakthrough for his side, getting rid of Mitchell Marsh plumbed for 26 runs. Australia was 196/5.
Usman Khawaja, who looked good during his 253 minutes stay at the crease, was done in by a straight one from JP Duminy. The left-hander, under his own pressures in terms of securing a place in this side, was in a positive mood throughout. He narrowly missed the three figure mark by 3 runs to leave his side at 246/6. Rabada picked his second wicket of the morning as he got Starc leg before for 13 runs. Both sides went into lunch with Australia at 263/7, still requiring 276 runs for victory.
Philander had his first wicket of the innings soon after the interval when he had Siddle (13) trapped LBW. There was some Aussie resilience in the form of Nevill and Josh Hazleweood, who combined for a stand of 65 for the 9th wicket.
Rabada’s pace, understandably so, had dropped considerably and it was Temba Bavuma of all people who provided the breakthrough when he had Hazlewood caught by Dean Elgar for 29.
Maharaj then wrapped things up with his first wicket of the innings when he had Nathan Lyon out LBW for 8 and the Aussies were bowled out for 361.
It was a commendable performance from the Proteas who looked down and out of Day 1 after getting bowled out for 242 runs in 63.4 overs. David Warner inspired his team to 105/0 at stumps on the first day. Faf du Plesis and his side got a further setback when Dale Steyn was forced to leave the ground with a shoulder injury, eventually ruling him out of the series.
At that point, a South African triumph seemed highly unlikely and then almost impossible when Dale Steyn walked off injured on day two with the Aussies just one wicket down.
But Rabada, Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj put in inspiring displays to restrict Australia to just 234 in their first dig.
The rest, as they say, is history.