AUS vs SA: David Warner, Alex Carey guide Australia to thumping series victory

Australia made it look like a cakewalk yet again when they faced South Africa in the second Test of the three-match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). After clinching a victory in the first Test within two days at the Gabba, Australia went on to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, defeating the Proteas by an innings and 182 runs.

Hosts Australia won the toss and put South Africa to bat first. The visitors had a terrible start to their innings as they lost wickets early. Half-centuries by wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen helped South Africa stabilize their innings, but Cameron Green made sure the visitors don’t get much time on the field. His five-wicket haul helped Australia to dish out South Africa for 189.

Australia did not have the dream start to the innings as Kagiso Rabada struck early and dismissed opening batter Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschangne too walked back early after a terrible run-out. Thanks to the double century by David Warner and a century by Alex Carey, Australia managed to get to a big total and declared at 575/8, with a lead of 386 runs.

Steve Smith was slow in scoring runs but contributed with his 161-ball 85. Travis Head and Cameron Green too hit half-centuries and added some important runs on the board. South Africa had a big challenge ahead of them, but their plans did not work. Skipper Dean Elgar was dismissed for a three-ball duck as Australian skipper Pat Cummins got his side an early breakthrough.

Temba Bavuma scored the most runs for South Africa in the second innings, but fell prey to Nathan Lyon’s spin. South Africa’s batting unit came crashing down as they could not reach anywhere close to the score set by the hosts, and were dismissed for 204 runs in their second innings. As a result, Australia claimed the series early by winning the second game by an innings and 182 runs.

David Warner was the standout player in the game as he notched up a double century, in what was his 100th Test match. Cameron Green, too was very impressive as after taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings, he impressed with the bat too, remaining unbeaten at 51*(177). He retired hurt on the second day, but came back to bat with a fractured finger and got his half-century.

While Carey got to his century, Green assisted him really well on the field as the duo formed a crucial 112-run partnership. Australia, with the win, continue on top of the World Test Championship points table, and have come even closer to sealing the WTC Finals berth.