Australia ends the series in South Africa and approaches the final of the World Cup

Pat Cummins’ side wrapped up an innings and 182-run victory midway through the fourth day of the Test, with experienced spinner Nathan Lyon (3/58) and seamer Scott Boland (2/49) doing most of the damage. Thursday to complete the MCG route.

The win gives Australia a commanding 2-0 series lead for the Proteas and helps them extend their lead at the top of the World Series.

Australia’s 12 points from the win takes them to 132 points from 14 matches this season, with their win percentage rising to an impressive 78.57% after the win.

It means Australia are well placed to make their first appearance in the World Test Championship final at The Oval next year, with five Tests remaining this season (one against South Africa in Sydney and four in India in February and March) before the finalists are decided.

The top two teams will go into the World Cup decider, with South Africa’s chances of earning either of those two spots further diminished after a second successive disappointment on Australian shores.

The Proteas arrived in Australia second in the table and with high expectations, but back-to-back defeats have seen Dean Elgar’s side drop to fourth in the updated table.

India hold the second position with a win percentage of 58.93% and Sri Lanka (53.33%) moved up to third and ahead of South Africa (50%) after the Proteas’ efforts in Melbourne.

South Africa continued on the fourth day, 15.1. and needed a miracle to try to get back into the exam. Temba Bavuma (65) and Kyle Verreynne (33) resisted briefly during the 63 run. The fifth door.

But Boland broke the partnership when he trapped Verreynne LBW and then Lyon wrapped up the tail to ensure Australia cruise to victory and yet another series win on home soil.