Australia's miserable tour continued as South Africa’s second-string attack sent them spiraling even deeper into the abyss in a six-wicket thumping in the fourth ODI at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth yesterday.
In attempting to salvage something from the series, the Aussies could only muster 167 runs, being undone by the exploits of fast bowler Kyle Abbott and left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.
South Africa reached the target with only four wickets falling and with as many as 87 balls to spare to assume a 4-0 lead in the series, much to the delight of the local crowd of 9000.
Proteas captain Faf du Plessis continued his good form contributing 69 off 87 balls with eight fours.
A rare whitewash over the old foe remains firmly on track now with only Wednesday’s final match at Newlands, Cape Town, to come.
“The plans were amazing again today with the new ball against the batters up front,” said Du Plessis.
“Abbo was outstanding with the new ball and that set the tone for us.
“Obviously, Shamo then came in and spun his web around the batsmen and once again bowling
really, really well.
“So, it’s good to see guys coming through.
“Imran didn’t even play today so it gives us great combinations to try and always attack and always take wickets,” added Du Plessis.
The Aussies, for all their fighting talk heading into the game, collapsed to 49 for five with Shamsi and Abbott both starring in their returns to the starting line-up.
The Proteas made four changes to their starting line-up bringing in Farhaan Behardien, Abbott, Aaron Phangiso and Shamsi for David Miller (injured), Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir and Kagiso Rabada (all rested).
Australia may have thought they would enjoy some respite as a result of the shift in personnel, but that optimism will have been short-lived.
Abbott, after missing out on four previous starts this summer, went straight for the jugular, bowling both openers Aaron Finch for two and David Warner (6) in his first seven deliveries.
Dwaine Pretorius then trapped George Bailey in front and the Aussies had slipped to 12 for three wickets.
Shamsi was introduced into the attack in the 11th over.
He bowled with great control and struck twice in his third over, seeing off captain Steve Smith and Travis Head in the space of three balls, both wickets falling to leg before decisions.
Fighting half centuries by Mitchell Marsh (50) and Matthew Wade (52) added a measure of respectability to the Australian total but the damage had been done up front.
Abbott finished with four for 40 while Shamsi returned his best figures for the Proteas, claiming three for 36 in his 10 overs.
The Australians had struggled for early wickets throughout the series.
In three previous ODIs they had allowed the South Africans to get off to flying starts.
This time around they struck two early blows with seamer Chris Tremain removing Hashim Amla (4) and Quinton de Kock (18) to have the Proteas 32 for two at lunch.
But with precious few runs to defend their task was always going to be difficult.
J-P Duminy joined Du Plessis at the crease and the duo set about restoring some order which they did until the left-hander holed out at mid-off for 25 with the total on 85.
Du Plessis then shared a 55-run partnership with Rilee Rossouw (33 not out) for the fourth wicket before the skipper fell victim to Mitchell Marsh, caught at deep square with 28 runs to go.
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