South Africa Trounce Australia and History With Panache

Not many would have imagined that the unthinkable could happen twice in the span of the week. Yet, South Africa not only did an "India" but also, went better.

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No one gave South Africa a chance of winning the first Test at the WACA, Perth after they lost themselves midway through their first innings and then, allowed Australia back into the game to post a colossal total like 414.

It was obvious South Africa were not planning to draw this or even see the merit in trying to do. Graeme Smith's positive approach in notching up a century was perhaps infectious as it appeared South Africa were not contemplating losing this Test for even a minute. That thought was further processed with his partnership with Amla the previous day and then with Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers overnight.

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If Graeme Smith, with his century, and Jacques Kallis, gave South Africa a realistic hope, AB de Villiers was lending his hand towards the cause at the end of the fourth day's play. He though became the chief protagonist on the fifth day when Kallis was dismissed for fifty-seven as Mitchell Johnson tried to set fear again in the South African dressing room.

But the visitors would simply not be daunted. AB de Villiers continued in the same vein, even without his partner. He though had a tougher task on his hand with just the tail to follow and debutant JP Duminy for company who did not fare too well in the first innings. Would bad luck strike with 111 runs to get? Not for the team who simply did not know how to give up!

Duminy rose to the occasion as AB took on the senior role of ensuring South Africa do not lose after getting so close. In the midst of keeping their eyes on the goal, South Africa were chasing down for the cricket history's second highest successful chase in the fourth innings.

AB was well rewarded for a century as Australia struggled to find their rhythm or a way to contain the runs and halt South Africa in their tracks. Duminy notched himself a little place in history with a fine half century on debut that not only emphasized his weighty contribution but also, brought up the winning runs for South Africa.

They have earned themselves the Christmas gifts early with this win as they go 1-0 up in the three Test series. Australia and Ricky Ponting simply did not see this coming!