Australia sealed the series with a smashing innings victory against the Proteas at the MCG on Thursday.

South Africa began the day at one down, with Dean Elgar having departed early. Sarel Erwee and Theunis de Bruyn added 47 runs between them, but a successful LBW review from Mitchell Starc brought a promising stand to an abrupt end.

The third wicket fell when de Bruyn edged into second slip, and a costly lapse in judgment resulted in Khaya Zondo’s run out.

Temba Bavuma was the silver lining in the second innings, as he accumulated well and brought up his 20th Test half-century.

Kyle Verreynne scored an enterprising 33, adding 63 with Bavuma. However, the end was nigh when the partnership was broken when Scott Boland trapped Verreynne in front.

Another episode of miscommunication resulted in a run-out, and on this occasion, Keshav Maharaj was the one to walk back. And when Bavuma skied a frustrated slog-sweep to midwicket, all that was left was a formality.

A few late blows from Lungi Ngidi helped the Proteas cross 200 for the first time in 8 innings, but it was a relatively tame end when Steve Smith’s part-time leg-spin snuck through another leg-side swipe. It was a game dedicated to the late great Shane Warne, and it was only fitting that a leg spinner picked off the final wicket.

AUS 575/8 dec (Warner 200, Carey 111)
SA 189 + 204 (Bavuma 65 – Lyon 3/58)