First Test: Australia hammer South Africa by 118 runs

Josh Hazlewood celebrates Australia's win after claiming the wicket of SA's Quinton de Kock in Durban yesterday. Pic/AFP

Australia wrapped up a 118-run win on the fifth day of the first Test against South Africa here yesterday. It took Australia 18 minutes and 22 balls to claim the last South African wicket when De Kock swung across the line and was leg before wicket to Josh Hazlewood for 83.

South Africa were bowled out for 298, adding five runs to their overnight total of 293 for nine. The win gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. The match was effectively won and lost in the first innings when Australia took a lead of 189 runs. Half-centuries by Warner and skipper Steven Smith and 96 by Mitchell Marsh enabled Australia to make 351.

Early wickets by off-spinner Lyon and a devastating spell of fast reverse swing bowling by Mitchell Starc sent South Africa tumbling to 162 in reply. South Africa fought back in the second half of the match, bowling with more purpose to bowl out the tourists for 227, then recovering from a nightmare start to their second innings, largely through Markram, who made 143, and De Kock.

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