South Africa ruin Ponting farewell

PERTH, Australia (AFP) –

The South Africans became the first team in two decades to defeat Australia on home soil in consecutive tours

Australia’s batsman Ricky Ponting (centre) is applauded by South African team members as he walks out to bat for his final Test cricket innings. South Africa confirmed their number one ranking in Test cricket by thrashing Australia by 309 runs in the third Test at the WACA Ground to claim a series win and spoil Ricky Ponting’s farewell.

South Africa confirmed their number one ranking in Test cricket by thrashing Australia by 309 runs in the third Test at the WACA Ground on Monday to claim a series win and spoil Ricky Ponting’s farewell.

Set a mammoth target of 632 runs to win, Australia lost their first wicket on the second ball of the fourth day and never recovered, eventually dismissed for 322 as the Proteas retained the number one ranking in Test cricket.

The South Africans became the first team in two decades to defeat Australia on home soil in consecutive tours, with the West Indies the previous team to achieve it in 1992-93.

In his 168th and final Test, retiring Australian champion Ricky Ponting made just eight in his last innings at the top level.

Ponting, who finishes equal with Steve Waugh as Australia’s most-capped Test player, was given a guard of honour by the South Africans as he strode to the crease but was caught by Jacques Kallis from the bowling of Robin Peterson.