OTD: South Africa won their third series in a row in Australia in 2016

On November 15, 2016, South Africa etched a remarkable chapter in cricket history by winning their third consecutive Test series on Australian soil, a feat achieved only by the most dominant touring teams. Their 2-1 triumph in the 2016-17 series added to previous series victories in 2008-09 and 2012-13, cementing South Africa’s status as one of the strongest travelling sides in the modern era.

The 2016 series began with a sensational performance in Perth, where South Africa overcame early setbacks to claim a commanding 177-run victory. They carried that momentum into the second Test in Hobart, producing one of their most clinical performances overseas. It was this match, which they won by an innings and 80 runs, that sealed the series and marked the historic achievement.

Australia were bundled out for a shocking 85 in the first innings of the Hobart Test, with Vernon Philander leading the demolition through a masterful spell of 5/21. Steve Smith’s unbeaten 48 was the only resistance as the Proteas’ seamers relentlessly exploited the conditions.

South Africa responded with 326, built on key contributions from the middle order. Temba Bavuma played a gritty innings of 74, while Quinton de Kock struck a brilliant 104 to put the visitors firmly in control. Josh Hazlewood bowled superbly for Australia, finishing with 6/89, but the hosts continued to struggle.

In the second innings, Australia were dismissed for 161, with Usman Khawaja scoring 64. Kyle Abbott produced a career-defining spell, taking 6/77, to hand South Africa the series win. Khawaja ended the series as Australia’s leading run-getter with 314 runs, while Hazlewood topped their wicket charts with 17 scalps.

This achievement added to South Africa’s impressive record in Australia. In 2008-09, they claimed the series 2-1, powered Dale Steyn’s 18 wickets. Ten years earlier, in 2006, South Africa won a three-Test series 1-0, with Morne Morkel taking 14 wickets. South Africa’s 2016 triumph remains one of their greatest overseas accomplishments and a defining moment in their cricketing legacy.

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