Philander's six-fer bowls Proteas to historic Test series win over Aussies

Sandton [South Africa], April 3 (ANI): Pacer Vernon Philander scalped a six-wicket haul as South Africa crushed Australia by a staggering 492 runs in the fourth and final Test to clinch the four-match series 3-1 at the Wanderers Stadium here on Tuesday.

Chasing a huge target of 612 runs to win, Australia fell like a pack of cards to eventually bundle out cheaply for 119 runs on Day Five of the final Test against South Africa, thus bringing the curtain down on a series that was marred by controversy from start to finish.

Except opener Joe Burns (42) and Peter Handscomb (24), none of the Australian batsmen was able to reach a double-figure mark in their side's second innings.

Philander was unplayable on the final day as he finished with a brilliant figures of six for 21. He also bagged three wickets in Australia's first innings.

While Morne Morkel took two wickets, Keshav Maharaj also chipped in with a wicket to guide his side to huge victory.

It is South Africa's fourth biggest win margin by runs in the history of Test cricket.

Meanwhile, it is also South Africa's first-ever home Test series win over Australia their re-admission in 1991 - and the first since Ali Bacher's iconic team of 1969-70.

Earlier, skipper Faf du Plessis notched a blistering 120-run knock, including 18 boundaries and two sixes, while opener Dean Elgar well supported him by scoring 81 runs as South Africa declared their second innings at 344-6 to set Australia a huge target of 616 runs.

Australia were previously bowled out for 221 run in their first innings in reply to South Africa's huge total of 488 runs.

While Philander was adjudged `Man of the Match` for his brilliant performance with the ball, Kagiso Rabada was declared `Player of the Series`. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI