South Africa fall apart

Western Australia began the final day of their match against the South Africans needing eight wickets for victory, and thanks in large part to four wickets from Beau Casson they got them with ease. The left-arm wristspinner ran through the South African lower order for the second time in the match, after Western Australia’s modest seam attack of Magoffin and Edmondson did the early damage, following on from two wickets on the third evening.

Only Ashwell Prince showed significant resistance, crafting a solid 49 after being dropped early in the day. South Africa’s batsmen showed little application though, despite a pitch which was still quite good for batting, and never looked like reaching the target to force Western Australia to bat again.

The loss raises serious questions about South Africa’s form and readiness for a difficult tour of Australia, as Western Australia have lost each match of the Pura Cup season to date, and were missing their most dangerous bowler in Brett Dorey from the lineup, as well as international players and the injured Damien Martyn.

South Africa will be looking for some rapid improvement and the return from injury of their captain before the first test at the WACA.

Western Australia 391
Adam Voges 101, Marcus North 71
Charl Langeveldt 4/104, Nicky Boje 1/36

South Africans 179
Jacques Rudolph 43, AB De Villiers 27
Beau Casson 4/21, Shawn Gillies 3/41

South Africans 164
Ashwell Prince 49, Shaun Pollock 25, Nicky Boje 25*
Beau Casson 4/67, Steve Magoffin 3/37

Western Australia win by an innings and 48 runs.