South Africa vs Australia 2018: 4th Test, Day 5, Talking points
At 88/3, there was very little hope for Australia. They had a very small chance of salvaging a draw but that hope was still alive as Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb had done it before. However, all that hope was squashed as Vernon Philander took 6 wickets in less than an hour in the first session and demolished Australia.
Australia were bowled out for just 119 as they didn’t even last one session on this final day. South Africa clinched the series 3-1.
#5 Morne Morkel gets a Guard of Honour and then leads the team off the field
Morne Morkel had surprised a lot of people when he announced his retirement just before the Test series against Australia started. He is just 33 years old, but the injuries have taken a toll and family responsibilities have grown.
Hence, the tall pacer decided to hang up his boots after the fourth Test against Australia. In this Test, Morkel suffered a side strain in the first innings and it put a doubt whether he will further bowl (and take part) in his farewell Test match. However, he came back and bowled a terrific spell yesterday in the third session.
And this morning when the South Africans walked out on the field, they gave Morne a deserving Guard of Honour. The entire Australian dressing room was also up on its feet applauding. The tall pacer sported a big smile as well.
After South Africa wrapped things up, Morne Morkel led the team off the park. The crowd gave him a standing ovation and he was understandably emotional as he walked off for one final time in his career. It was a very emotional moment for him and he went out on a high.