Buzzin Cricket

AB de Villiers hit an unbeaten 106 as South Africa completed the second highest run chase in test history to record victory in the first test against Australia at Perth.

In a stunning batting performance, the South Africans chased down 414 runs to win and only lost four wickets in the process. De Villiers was assisted by Graeme Smith who made 108 as well as Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and JP Duminy who all recorded half centuries.

West Indies hold the record for the highest ever run chase with 418-7, also against Australia, back in 2003. However, the tourists’ remarkable effort fell just four runs short of this feat and will go down as one of the most incredible batting displays in recent years.

As excellent as the South Africans were though, it has to be said that the Australian batting line up looked extremely weak compared to what it was a few years ago. Mitchell Johnson was impressive as he finished with match figures of 11-59, but other than that – they struggled.

In the past, Ricky Ponting would have turned to Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath to win them the game, but they know longer have that luxury and they are finding it hard to deal with. Both of these players were once in a lifetime cricketers though and they were never going to be replaced straight away.

Ricky Ponting admitted that his side were not good enough ‘mentally’ and that overall, it was a very ‘disappointing result’. He also revealed that he was concerned by his team’s inability to take 20 wickets in the test match.

Australia have their chance to respond to this defeat in the second test match though and the cricket odds will be no means by ruling them out just yet.