Aussies wrap up 118-run win
DURBAN: Australia needed just 22 balls and 20 minutes of play on the fifth day at Kingsmead to secure a 118-run triumph over South Africa in the opener of their fourmatch series on Monday. The visitors required one wicket to win after South Africa resumed on 293 for nine, chasing an improbable victory target of 417.
Five runs were added by the home side before Quinton de Kock was hit on the back pad and trapped leg before wicket by Josh Hazlewood (3-61) as he tried to launch the ball over the boundary. Mitchell Starc earlier had a chance to complete a hat-trick with the first ball of the day after being denied by bad light on Sunday but bowled down the leg side to De Kock, who was eventually out for 83 after adding two to his overnight tally.
Morne Morkel was not out on three as Starc (4-75) finished with nine wickets in the match. “It was a nice way to start, said victorious skipper Steve Smith afterwards. “The first Test in a series is
always important and the way we played was a real plus.”
Australia’s win has been overshadowed by a heated off-field exchange between players at the tea interval on the fourth day.
LYON FINED
Australia spinner Nathan Lyon was fined 15% of his match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the code of conduct. Lyon was charged with a level one breach and had a demerit point added to his disciplinary record. Four points would result in missing a Test.
The spinner whipped off the bails to run out AB de Villiers on Sunday as South Africa’s top order crumbled at the start of their bid to chase the mammoth 417-run target Australia set them to win.
De Villiers made a despairing dive but was well short and Lyon leapt over him in celebration, dropping the ball on his opponent before joining his team mates in a jig of joy.
Cricket Australia said Lyon had been in touch with De Villiers to say there was no malice intended and apologised.