Who Said What: World reacts as South Africa thrash Australia by 177 runs

It was all smiles in the Proteas camp after a tremendous comeback in the first Test

South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series against Australia after thrashing the hosts by 177 runs on day five of the first Test at Perth. Kagiso Rabada, who finished with seven wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings claimed the Man of the Match award.

Chasing 539, Australia began the day with Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Marsh at the crease still 370 adrift. While a victory was beyond question, a draw was still not inconceivable if the hosts could muster a stoic display of defensive resistance.

However, it wasn’t to be as Australia were bowled out for 361 and fell short by 177 runs, thereby losing their first Test at home since 2012, which also, incidentally, came at the hands of South Africa at the WACA, Perth.

Man of the Match Kagiso Rabada admitted he was proud of the way the team pulled together following Dale Steyn’s injury on day two.

“I’m very proud of how the team pulled it together. We lost Dale, he's a key aspect of the game. All the bowlers have a job to do, when Dale is gone, it means we have to do extra,” he said.

“You hear a lot of stories where quick bowlers do well here (at the WACA). Similar to the Wanderers back home. Still a bit flat though. Australia also got he ball to reverse. We executed really well. I can confidently say there will not be too much bowling over the next few days, but I'll be ready for Hobart if I get chosen."

Here are the reactions from the cricket fraternity:

AB de Villiers is facing a race against the clock to be fit for the rest of the Australia series.

What a great start for the Proteas! Superb performance by the entire team. Onwards and upwards #ProteaFire #SAvsAUS @OfficialCSA

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 7, 2016

Damien Fleming:

Congrats @OfficialCSA
3 wins a row at @WACA #resilience #Execution #AUSvSA

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) November 7, 2016

Dale Steyn might be ruled out of the series but the Proteas fire was still burning strong:

So proud of the guys! What a massive effort, walked in and boom got the last wkt. Thanx for all the well wishes too, massively appreciated pic.twitter.com/azPttbKGby

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) November 7, 2016

South African all-rounder Albie Morkel hailed his compatriots’ efforts.

Must rank up there with one of the #Proteas best test wins. Congrats to the team. Lots of excellent contributions

— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) November 7, 2016

Herschelle Gibbs:

Great win by proteas after a low scoring first dig#finesmeetingwillbehuge

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) November 7, 2016

Dean Jones:

Ouch! Doesn't read good I must say! #nokiddingSherlock https://t.co/cNaFzPtHW4

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) November 7, 2016

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke:

Congratulations to South Africa. Great fight back after day 1.

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) November 7, 2016

Former Australian batsman Damien Martyn:

An outstanding performance by @OfficialCSA true fight & determination. @KagisoRabada25 a champion display. #ausvsa pic.twitter.com/o3GKhXdUCp

— Damien Martyn (@damienmartyn) November 7, 2016

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris:

Brilliant performance from @OfficialCSA ...no AB DeVilliers, No D Steyn and basically no H Amla. #highquality

— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) November 7, 2016

Former Sri Lankan international Russel Arnold:

Congratulations @OfficialCSA Now that was a fantastic team effort... back against the walls and everyone responded #AusvSA Good one !!!

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) November 7, 2016

Anjum Chopra:

Continuing their domination over Australia @OfficialCSA win their first Test at #Perth #SAvsAUS. A 177 run win!

— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) November 7, 2016