Proteas clinch impressive test victory in Perth
South Africa have completed a very convincing 177 run victory in the 1st Test against Australia in Perth to go 1-0 up in the 3 match Test series.
A five-wicket haul from Kagiso Rabada put South Africa on the brink of victory at lunch on the fifth day at the WACA, where Australia lost three wickets in the session and tottered to 7 for 263.
The absence of injured spearhead Dale Steyn proved no barrier for South Africa's bowlers, who needed only three more wickets to secure a 1-0 series lead and inflict Australia's first loss in the opening Test of a home summer since 1988.
Vernon Philander, Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj got the final 3 wickets.
South Africa had set the baggie greens a target of 539 runs for victory. JP Duminy top scored with 141 runs while Dean Elgar also reached triple figures.
The result is massive for South Africa especially after getting off to a bad start on day 1 and losing test veteran Dale Steyn to a shoulder injury on day 2.
Steyn has officially been ruled out of the series and will fly back to South Africa with his shoulder most likely requiring surgery.
The next Test starts in Hobart on the 14th of November.
( File Photo - Gallo Images)