Key Highlights

• AUS 575/8 D
• Warner scored 200 (255) and Alex Carey smashed 111 (149)
• RSA 189 & 204

Australia defeated South Africa in two sessions on the fourth day to win the three-game Test series at the MCG on Thursday by an innings and 182 runs.

On the fourth day, the Proteas had resumed at 15-1 in their pursuit of the absurd target of 387 to force the hosts to bat again. However, they were all out for 204 after the tea break was postponed and play continued before the 10th wicket fell.

Spinner Nathan Lyon led the way with 3-58, and opener Mitchell Starc bravely bowled while suffering from an injured finger. With 65 over more than three hours, Temba Bavuma provided the Proteas with their most tenacious fight, but he received little assistance; Kyle Verreynne was the next best with 33. Prior to Keshav Maharaj being run out by Marnus Labuschagne, Lyon trapped Marco Jansen LBW. Shortly after, Australia's off-spinner dismissed Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada in rapid succession. Finally, Steve Smith bowled the wild-swinging Lungi Ngidi to secure the triumph.

Following being under pressure to maintain his status in the squad going into the game, opening batsman David Warner was voted Player of the Match after his second-day double century, which confirmed his worth in the side. The 25th of his Test career, Warner's century came in his 100th Test game.

In the Aus vs RSA test series, Australia's victory gives them a commanding lead in the series, but they still face a number of challenges before the third Test, which will be played in Sydney the following week. Mitchell Starc, Cameron Green, and Lyon will all miss the game at the SCG due to finger ailments, while Lyon needed treatment for a shoulder issue on day four.

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