South Africa vs Australia 2018: 4th Test, Day 5, Talking points

#1 South Africa end 25-year wait with a 3-1 series win in a controversy-marred series

South Africa came back superbly after being 1-0 down in the series.

Ever since their readmission, South Africa had never beaten South Africa in a Test series at home. Their best effort came when they drew 1-1 in 2011.

Also, with Australia in form and South Africa high on confidence after a 2-1 series win against India, this was tipped to be one of the best series’ of 2018. Australia started off superbly with a thumping 118-run victory in the first Test in Durban. However, South Africa came back strongly to level the series in Port Elizabeth as they won by 6 wickets. The hosts then romped home with victories in the third and fourth Test to win the series. It was their first ever Test series win against Australia since readmission.

However, despite witnessing riveting test matches, there were controversies. First, David Warner and Quinton de Kock were involved in a verbal duel while Kagiso Rabada was banned for his shoulder contact with Steve Smith. But everything broke loose in the third Test when Cameron Bancroft was caught tampering the ball with a sandpaper. Steve Smith and David Warner were also involved in the plan which led to the trio getting banned by Cricket Australia.

Hence, this was a series marred by controversies and the riveting cricket that was played throughout the 4 Test matches was overshadowed. Nonetheless, it is a fine moment for South Africa as a cricketing nation as they ended a 25-year wait.