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Archived News > South Africa triumphant over rivals Australia in dramatic Test Cricket
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South Africa triumphant over rivals Australia in dramatic Test Cricket
South Africa triumphed over arch rivals Australia in a nail-biting test match at the MCG in Melbourne in January, becoming the first team in 16 years to beat the Aussies on home soil.
The Proteas clenched a nine-wicket victory after the Australians tallied a disappointing total of 183 in the second innings. South African captain, Graeme Smith fired 10 fours in a superior 75, while Neil McKenzie made an unbeaten 59 and Hashim Amla hit the winning runs.
Although narrowly defeated in the third and final test, the overall test victory places South Africa on top of the world rankings. Commenting on his teams performance, Smith said, “Australia are still a quality unit and it's a real honour for us to come here and beat them."
South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher said, "We have had a lot of heartbreak in this part of the world and to even think about winning a series in Australia was always going to be tough but I believe this team will go from strength to strength now."
All-rounder and one of the world’s top batsmen, Jacques Kallis, was delighted to finally win in Australia on his fourth tour. Kallis added, “It's an unbelievable feeling…For the senior players we realised how tough a task it was and this rates with winning a World Cup, if not better. South African cricket is healthy and hopefully we can keep the side together and stay on top for a while."
The Australians have not lost at home since 1992-93, when they were defeated by the West Indies.