Australia prevented an early series defeat by defending a 231-run total against a meek batting performance from the Proteas in the second ODI in Adelaide.
The Australians put in an improved batting performance compared to the first ODI, as Aaron Finch (41), Chris Lynn (44) and Alex Carey (47) scored in the 40s. They managed to score 231, as Kagiso Rabada (4-54) and Dwaine Pretorius (3-32) starred with the ball.
From an Australian perspective, this was a massive improvement from the Perth ODI that saw them dismissed for 152.
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The Proteas had the start they would have dreaded, losing Quinton de Kock for nine after he smashed one down fine leg’s throat.
Markram had a great start that included him smashing Mitchell Starc for a sumptuous 95-metre six, but poor running between him and Hendricks saw Markram run out for 19 looking for an unneeded third.
Hendricks was caught fishing in the next over, edging Josh Hazlewood to Carey. Heinrich Klaasen lost his wicket in a familiar manner, splicing a pull-shot to mid-wicket off Marcus Stoinis.
With the Proteas on 68-4, it was up to Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis and David Miller to save their side from humiliation. The pair constructed their innings nicely and strung together 74 before Du Plessis was dismissed on 47 – the Proteas reduced to 142-5.
Pretorius joined Miller and they picked away at the target until Pretorius pulled Hazlewood to mid-wicket.
Dale Steyn was next to go, shortly after Miller reached his half-century. Miller was the key wicket for the Aussies, but Australia’s star bowler Stoinis trapped him lbw to reduce the visitors to 187-8. He must be commended for the way he structured his 51, but he failed to see out the innings.
Starc removed Rabada with a yorker and the Proteas got to a total of 224-9 to lose by seven runs.
Australia innings 231– Aaron Finch 41, Chris Lynn 44, Alex Carey 47; Kagiso Rabada 4-54, Dwaine Pretorius 3-32.
Proteas innings 224-9 – David Miller 51, Faf du Plessis 47; Marcus Stoinis 3-35, Josh Hazlewood 2-42.
Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
