Australia thrashed South Africa by an innings and 284 runs to win the once-off test at the WACA in Perth.
The Proteas were bowled out for 215 in their second innings before close of play on day three. The victory secured Australia a 12-4 win in the multi-format tour. South Africa managed one T20I and one ODI victory, their first ever over their opponents in the shorter format of the game.
It was an uneven contest even before this test began. South Africa had four debutants in their team while the other seven players only had played one test each. On the other hand, there were 52 caps between the Australians.
All around, it was a test of records.
South Africa’s 76 in their first innings was their lowest in tests but on the up, there were maiden test 50s for Chloe Tryon (64) and Delmi Tucker (64).
Australia’s first innings total of 575 for nine declared was the highest test innings total.
A 210-run batting masterclass by Annabel Sutherland saw her score the fourth-highest individual test score. The 248 balls she used to get there, made it the fastest double-century and at the age of 22, she’s the second youngest to achieve this feat.
AUSTRALIA WIN AT THE WACA
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) February 17, 2024
The Proteas Women's defiance ends as Australia win in the once-off Test match in Perth 🇦🇺🇿🇦#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #AUSWvSAW pic.twitter.com/56atsNhjCP
Together with her five wickets, it is no wonder she was named as player of the match. She is the first woman, and only fourth player overall, to take five or more wickets and score a double century in a single test.
Beth Mooney got the accolade as player of the series.
Protea captain Laura Wolvaardt, who struggled with the bat throughout the series, said it wasn’t the result they wanted.
“All credit to Australia, they deserved it. It was a great experience for us, being able to play at this iconic venue was special. Hopefully we get to play more test cricket. It was a huge challenge but we enjoyed it.”
Earlier, after tea and with the score on 213, South Africa lost their eighth wicket as the fighting innings of Tryon came to an end when she was bowled by Sutherland. Under trying conditions, the Protea allrounder managed a finely crafted 64 (153b, 10x4).
Sutherland grabbed her fifth wicket when Alyssa Healy took a catch that saw the back of Nonkulueko Mlaba for 15 (25b, 3x4) and reduced the South Africans to 214 for nine.
Alana King wrapped up the innings with a caught and bowl that meant the end of Ayanda Hlubi for 0 (4b).
AUSTRALIA: Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Alyssa Healy (capt), Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Darcie Brown.
SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, Delmi Tucker, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkulueko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Ayanda Hlubi.