Australia bounced straight back from a home series defeat when they beat South Africa by 162 runs in the first Test at the Wanderers Stadium on Monday, giving captain Ricky Ponting what he described as 'one of the most satisfying wins I have had.'
Australia bounced straight back from a home series defeat when they beat South Africa by 162 runs in the first Test at the Wanderers Stadium on Monday, giving captain Ricky Ponting what he described as 'one of the most satisfying wins I have had.'
South Africa survived until after tea on the final day before being bowled out for 291. Their resistance was worn down by accurate, disciplined Australian bowling, led by man of the match Mitchell Johnson, who had match figures of eight for 137. He also scored 96 not out in the first innings.
The win at the start of a three-match series was the first step to redemption for Ponting, whose captaincy was criticised when his team were beaten 2-1 in a home series against South Africa earlier this year.
"A lot of people doubted that we could come here and play the level of cricket we've played over the last five days," Ponting said of his young and inexperienced team, which included three new caps.
"For me, as a guy who has played a lot of cricket, it was one of the most satisfying wins I have had. We probably had the worst of batting conditions right through the game. We bowled exceptionally well and our batting was first rate. We've worked hard, we've talked a lot and we put it into practice over five days here."
