Done and dusted

Johannesburg, April 3 

Vernon Philander grabbed six wickets in a devastating spell of seam bowling as South Africa crushed Australia by a record 492 runs to clinch the four-match series 3-1 on Tuesday, leaving the tourists with much soul-searching to do.

The scandal-hit tourists had promised to fight for a draw on the final day to end a controversial tour on a positive note but their resistance lasted just 83 minutes as Philander ripped through the batting order to finish with career-best figures of 6/21. Australia were bowled out for 119 in their second innings to succumb to their heaviest ever loss to South Africa in terms of runs, their second biggest defeat against any opponent and the fourth biggest loss in Test cricket. By contrast, South Africa completed their biggest victory over Australia in Tests by runs, and sealed their first home series win over the demoralised visitors since 1970.

Philander took six wickets for three runs in 32 balls to keep fellow seamer Morne Morkel (2/28) wicketless on his final morning of international cricket before his retirement. “Morne getting injured and bowling epitomises Morne,” South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said.

An “emotional” Morkel said: “No way I was going to sit in the change-room, would have needed a straitjacket. Going to miss them a lot, they are brothers.” — Reuters