Proteas humbled by lethal Australia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brett Lee claimed a five-wicket haul as Australia took the driving seat in the VB Series by beating South Africa by 59 runs for their second win in the series.
The hosts also claimed a bonus point after Lee ripped through the Proteas' batting order, finishing with career-best figures of five wickets for 22 runs as South Africa were bowled out in the 47th over for 186.
Australia had earlier been 245 all out with Phil Jaques hitting 94, the highest score by an Australian making his debut in a one-day international.
It was certainly an achievable target for South Africa but they were destroyed by the quick bowling of Lee.
The Proteas made a nervy start to their innings with Graeme Smith the first wicket to fall, in the fifth over, edging Lee behind to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin for nine. Andrew Hall (one) soon followed, bowled by Lee with just the fourth ball he faced.
Boeta Dippenaar and Herschelle Gibbs steadied the ship with a third-wicket stand of 68 before super-sub Brad Hogg trapped Gibbs lbw for 39.
The Proteas were already well short of the required run rate when Dippenaar (41) edged onto his stumps to become Lee's third victim, and Ashwell Prince also played onto his stumps.
Big-hitter Justin Kemp also to Lee, beaten by a vicious inswinging delivery by Lee on just three.
The game was already won but in the following over Hogg claimed the wickets of Mark Boucher (five) and Johannes van der Wath (none) to edge them towards an early finish.
Shaun Pollock finished with 46 off 31 balls, before Brett Dorey had him caught behind for his first wicket for Australia, while Andrew Symonds wrapped up the innings by catching Garnett Kruger (none) off Glenn McGrath.
Australia were thankful to Jaques for his innings of 94 off 112 balls, as besides him, only Michael Clarke (34) and James Hopes (38) played with any authority.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments