Steyn strikes script SA victory

Proteas bowl out Australia for 216 to register a comprehensive 231-run win

South Africa scored a thumping 231-run win over Australia in the second Test at St George’s Pak to level the the series 1-1 here on Sunday. Starting from their overnigght 192 for four, South Africa declared their second innings closed at 270 for five for an overall lead of 447 runs. 

Hashim Amla led the hosts charge with an unbeaten 127. South Africa may have batted a bit more but predictions about an approaching thundershowers forced their skipper Graeme Smith to declare the innings in the first session itself after adding 78 runs to their overnight total. 

After a brief pocket of resistance, Australia crumbled to 216 all out as pacer Dale Steyn grabbed all important four wickets over two sessions.  Michael Clarke, Steve Smith and Brad Haddin were dismissed in the space of three runs, while Steyn later added the scalp of Ryan Harris. 

Australia were at one stage were 126 for no loss, raising the visions of a gallant fightback and even that of an improable win.  But part-time spinner Jean-Paul Duminy trapped David Warner, who made a brisk 66, leg before to end the entertaining opening wicket stand. 

However, Chris Rogers continued to make his fourth Test hundred, but he ran out of the partners quickly against some spirited bowling by the South Africans. Earlier, a 126-run opening stand between David Warner and Chris Rogers gave Australia an excellent start to their pursuit of a record 448 for victory.

The touring side went to tea on 141 for one after the dismissal of Warner for 66 was South Africa’s only success during an afternoon session in which the batsmen looked largely untroubled and scored at nearly four runs to the over. South Africa had declared their second innings on 270 for five with Hashim Amla striking an elegant unbeaten 127.
Rogers and Warner smashed the ball to all parts, the latter hitting four successive boundaries off Morne Morkel, as Australia took a positive attitude towards their daunting chase.

The breakthrough for the home side came when JP Duminy trapped Warner lbw. The batsman reviewed the decision, but it was upheld by third umpire Aleem Dar.Amla plundered an unbeaten 127 before the home side declared 40 minutes before lunch.

Amla reached his 21st Test century to move joint third on South Africa's all-time list with Gary Kirsten, still behind Graeme Smith (27) and Jacques Kallis (45). The 30-year-old brought up the milestone off 139 balls with 14 fours, most of them caressed through the covers.

He added 64 for the fifth wicket with debutant Quinton de Kock (34) before the latter was caught at slip by Michael Clarke off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Mitchell Johnson recorded the best figures for Australia with two for 51 in 15 overs and Peter Siddle took two for 89.