Australia needed just 22 balls and 20 minutes of play on the fifth day at Kingsmead to secure a 118-run triumph over South Africa in the first of the four-match series on Monday. The visitors required a single wicket to secure success after South Africa resumed on 293 for nine, chasing an improbable victory target of 417.
Five runs were added by the home side before Quinton de Kock was trapped leg before wicket by Josh Hazlewood (three for 61).
Mitchell Starc earlier had a chance to complete a hat-trick with the first ball of the day but bowled down the leg-side to de Kock, who was eventually out for 83 after adding two to his overnight tally.
Australia’s win was overshadowed by a heated off-field exchange between players at the tea interval on the fourth day, which the International Cricket Council (ICC) are investigating, as well as a charge for spinner Nathan Lyon.
Argument
CCTV footage from the players tunnel showed Australia vice-captain David Warner and home wicketkeeper de Kock involved in a fiery exchange as players climbed the stairwell to their dressing rooms during the break.
Personal insults are believed to be at the root of the row, their captains said on Monday. “What was said and done during that interval was regrettable on both sides,” said Australia skipper Steve Smith. “Quinton got personal and evoked an emotional response from Davey. Those things are not on from both sides. Getting personal on the field is crossing the line, in my opinion.”
Smith’s version was disputed by South African manager Mohammed Moosajee, who blamed Warner. “There were words said out on the field. If you are saying something you’ve got to take it and that’s the opinion of Quinton. Let the investigations begin and let the match officials decide,” said Moosajee.
South African captain Faf du Plessis said the umpires needed to ensure proper behaviour on the field. “From what I’ve heard there was a lot of personal stuff being said, to and from. Who started it, I don’t know. If it was happening on the field it should have been nipped in the bud. The fact that it spilled over after the field shouldn’t have happened.”
In a separate incident, Lyon dropped a ball on prone batsman A.B. de Villiers after he was run out. Lyon faced an ICC sanction after being charged by match referee Jeff Crowe, officials said on Monday.