Australia snap five Test losing streak with South Africa win

  • 28/11/2016
Australia celebrate a wicket from Mitchell Starc who was the best bowler of the match of both teams (Getty image)
Australia celebrate a wicket from Mitchell Starc who was the best bowler of the match of both teams (Getty image)

Despite suffering a few jitters in their 127 fourth innings run chase, Australia eventually held their nerve to snap their five-Test losing streak and claim a seven-wicket win over South Africa in the day/night Test in Adelaide.

While debutants Matthew Renshaw and Peter Handscomb were at the crease when the winning runs were hit, it will be Australia's bowlers that will be remembered for winning the game for them.

The Australian bowling attack was irresistible on day four, continuing on from a very impressive third night and never letting South Africa's second innings build any momentum.

Main paceman Mitchell Starc claimed four wickets while spinner Nathan Lyon chimed in with three and the match was almost dead and gone with the hosts left to chase 127 on a benign Adelaide pitch.

Austalia's second innings wasn't without drama, however, with them suffering yet another calamitous run out followed by Usman Khawaja falling LBW two balls later.

But captain Steve Smith calmed things at the crease, all but seeing them home before falling with just two runs required.

Newshub.