Australia vs South Africa 3rd Test 2009: Australia Pulled off a Consolation Victory

(This entry was originally published on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009)

Going into the third test match of the series, Australia knew that it would not be possible to change the result of the series as they already lost the first two tests of the series, and thus, ensuring a rare test series defeat at home after a long time. Still, a victory with some inspirational performances in the third test was at the sight of Australian players. Moreover, they looked determined to hold on to the no. 1 position in test cricket, a place which was threatened by South Africa’s dominant in the first two matches of the test series.

Chasing down a winning target of 272 runs in the second innings, South Africa got all outfor 272 runs, handing Australia a 103-run consolidating victory. When South Africa’s injured Captain Graeme Smith, who came to bat to save a seemingly defeat despite his injury, got out for 3 as the last batsmen of the South African innings, there were only couple of overs left before stumps. Anyway, Australia got a much-needed victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground. South Africa won the series 2-1. Peter Siddle has got the man of the match award, while the man of the series award goes to Graeme Smith.