Simon Harmer claimed six wickets as South Africa crushed Australia by 176 runs on the final day of the third Test in Cape Town on Saturday to seal the three match series 2-1.
Chasing 288 for victory, Australia collapsed to 111 all out in 57.1 overs at Newlands. Harmer finished with career best figures of 6/15 and took 10 wickets in the match.
The defeat ended Australia’s hopes of winning the series after the two sides entered the deciding Test level at 1-1.
Australia struggled from the start of their chase and never recovered. Their batters failed to build partnerships as South Africa’s bowlers took control of the final day.
Cameron Green offered some resistance with 27 off 110 balls. However, Harmer ended his innings with a turning delivery that beat the bat and hit the stumps.
Captain Pat Cummins also tried to keep Australia in the contest. He faced 90 deliveries but managed only 11 runs before Harmer trapped him lbw.
Cummins reviewed the decision, but the ball was clipping the stumps and the umpire’s call stood.
Harmer completed his five wicket haul with that dismissal before bowling Josh Hazlewood to end the match and start South Africa’s celebrations.
Australia’s batting display drew strong criticism from former players.
Former opener David Warner questioned the team’s approach during the lunch break.
“I’m just upset, it’s terrible, it’s un Australian, there’s no fight whatsoever, it’s disgraceful … it’s on the line and this is the way they’re playing, it’s deplorable,” Warner told Fox Cricket.
He also criticised the batters for failing to support the bowlers throughout the series.
“The batters have let the bowlers down all series, yes Renshaw showed fight in the first Test but I think the batters have been disgraceful.”
Former Australian batter Mark Waugh was equally disappointed.
“You’ve just got to throw the ball down the other end at the moment. That was a terrible two hours of batting, that was immature,” he said.
Earlier, South Africa had set Australia a target of 288 after scoring 387 in their second innings.
Ryan Rickelton struck 101 and Wiaan Mulder made 115 to turn the match in South Africa’s favour after the hosts had conceded a 100-run lead in the first innings.
The pair added 154 runs for the sixth wicket to put South Africa in a strong position.
Australia had scored 429 in their first innings in reply to South Africa’s 329, but their second innings collapse handed the hosts a comfortable victory.
The result also changed the World Test Championship standings. Australia dropped to third place, while New Zealand moved to the top and South Africa climbed to second.
South Africa also rose to second in the ICC Test rankings, with Australia remaining first.
